Research after research, scientists have found that taking a break from our rigorous tech-lifestyle and looking to the greens have had therapeutic effects on people. If you’re thinking of catching a breath of fresh air, here are some of the best places to catch the sight of some of Mother Nature’s lovelies during spring.
Poppies: Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California
Wildflowers like lupine, goldfields, and cream cups grow in this desert grassland, but the most expansive of all is California’s state flower – poppies. The colour and scent of poppies can differ each year; these orange-fluorescent flowers never cease to become a source of inspiration and education to many.
When to go: February to mid May
Cherry Blossom: Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
A symbolic flower to the Japanese, cherry blossoms is often associated with mortality for their extreme beauty and quick death. As such, they are often portrayed in Japanese art. There is a dense concentration of the flowers along the paths leading to the Yasukuni Shrine. They bloom for a couple of days during spring, which viewing of the cherry blossoms or hanami is a widely-celebrated time.
When to go: March to April
Tulips: Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse
For tulip lovers, this is the place to be at. At the Keukenhof Gardens, you will be amazed by all the different types of species of tulips this garden has to offer, like the yellow West Point tulip or red Mariette tulips, as well as other spring flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses. Serving as an exhibition garden for over 50 years, Keuhenhof Gardens is the largest flower garden in the world.
When to go: mid-March to mid-May
Bluebonnets: Bluebonnets Trail, Texas
As the state flower of Texas, bluebonnets are widely grown. Start off at Austin towards Hill Country, and you are sure to be awed by the beauty throughout the journey, with bluebonnets carpeting lakeside communities and roadsides, while perfuming the air with a super sweet scent. Do not be surprised to find vehicles parked by the roads, as the bluebonnets are a proud attraction of the state.
When to go: late-March to mid-April
Peach Flowers: Nyingchi, Tibet
Just several kilometres southeast of the Nyingchi county is a wild peach forest, hence is given the name Peach Valley. The tree not only has food and medicinal properties, it is also a great sight to view. Unlike the peach flowers in east China that are delicate, the peach flowers in Nyingchi have a vivid colour, especially being at the base of distant snow mountains.
When to go: late-March to mid-April
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Published in eye glamour (vol.21) under the World News section in January 2012.
