Murals of Cafe deux Soleil – a great vegetarian establishment.
Directions
After enjoying further community shenanigans of Victoria Park carry on south along Semlin Dr one block then turn right. Time for another big hit of the drive. Walk four blocks south. If its Springtime (March/April) enjoy the view up 2nd and 3rd Ave, they will be awash with the pink blossom of Kazan Cherry trees. At this point on the walk, it’s probably time to stop for lunch, take in a street performer, or have a drink at an Italian cafe bar, before eventually turning left up 5th Ave. One block east on this road and we come to yet another green space just off of the Drive. This one is called McSpadden park and in it you’ll find community gardens and trees bordering all sides. Walk along the footpath on the right which meanders up through the park. Notice the row of unpointed hornbeams on your right before reaching, running north to south, a row of our next featured tree: The Flowering Cherry.
Cherry trees light up Vancouver in spring
Flowering Cherry
Proper Name: Prunus subhirtella ‘Whitcombii’
Common Name: Whitcomb Flowering Higan Cherry, or Spring cherry, or Rosebud cherry
Description: These beautiful small trees’ branches become covered in pale pink blossom in spring. The pink is so fleeting – just a few weeks – but that’s what makes it so special. 17 trees in a row, just on the grass by the side of the road is hard to miss. Blossoms are replaced by green glossy leaves with serrated edges.
Defining Feature: If you are lucky enough to catch it for a short period in the spring (Feb to March – they bloom early) you can’t miss the profusion of pink. Otherwise check the leaves!
Serrated edges and shiny give it away. When in flower you have more to go on.