Ten years after my last cherry blossom post, I revisited Long Island’s Farmingdale Gardens in 2025 to capture the quiet beauty of sakura. This spring, I filmed two cherry blossom trees in full bloom at the Teaching Gardens of Farmingdale State College, a hidden gem known for its horticulture program. No crowds, just the soft pink petals swaying in the breeze.
These trees, part of the college’s evolving four-acre gardens, bloomed around early April, a bit later than in 2015, possibly due to shifting climate patterns. Unlike the scene from a decade ago, this moment at Farmingdale was peaceful, highlighting the sakura’s fleeting grace. Unfortunately these trees are no longer clearly labeled but still a hidden gem. The gardens, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., also feature a Japanese-themed sustainable garden worth exploring in summer.
For bloom chasers, it’s hard to predict the forecasts for timing but visit early mornings for solitude. Farmingdale’s cherry trees are a quiet little escape on Long Island. Maybe this site will help you find your local blooms… https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/cherry-blossom-bloom-predictions-spring
Have you discovered Farmingdale’s sakura or any others in your area? Share your thoughts below!
David Daniels has been writing at DavidDaniels.com since 2001. Download the free life planning workbook, Write Open Act, to start mapping the gap for yourself.