Fragrance in the cold breeze

Ume (Japanese apricot) is associated with the start of early spring, because its blossoms are one of the first bloomers during the year.  Other than the early-blooming species, they are generally at their best late February to March. This year, some Ume blossoms flowered so early in January awaken by the unusual warmth. They were not intimidated by the following intense cold but kept flowering graceful and noble for long as is shown in its flower words "perseverance".

In about a month, Sakura (cherry tree) will bloom.

While Ume blossoms mark the end of deadly cold, 

Sakura blossoms are a sign of arrival of constant warmth.

But you can't simply think Sakura bloom later than Ume

because there are early blooming Sakura.

They both come in a wide variety of colors from white, pink, to red, 

and both blossoms have five petals except the multi-petaled ones.

 How can you tell them apart?

Weeping ume in my garden

Here are some tips to identify Ume or Sakura.

Sakura blossoms have a small split at the end of each petal.

Ume blossoms don’t have any split.

More than one flower come out of a Sakura bud.

Sakura flowers on the tip of a long stem stretched from a  branch.

Only one blossom comes out of a Ume bud.

Ume blossoms are usually right on the branch.

The bark of Sakaura tree is purplish-brown and there are small horizontal lines on it.

Red Japanese quince around Sakura tree.
Look at the horizontal lines on the bark.

Ume tree often gnarls.

Its bark is darker and does not have horizontal lines on it.

These are a few of tree blossoms which resemble Ume.

木瓜, or Japanese quince

White Japanese quince

花梨, or Chinese quince

When I stopped by the Ume grove of the Umami Hills Park last Sunday,
most of the Ume blossoms have already passed their peak and some were withered.

"When the east wind blows 

let it send your fragrance, 

oh Ume blossoms; 

although your master is gone, 

do not forget the spring"

(Sugawara no Michizane)

Smell might affect emotion the most.

 I caught the faint drift of the flowery perfume from the blossoms in the cold breeze.

Not to change the subject, but I got hungry as it was past noon.
After a while of walking, 
I was tempted by the warm, delicious aroma from a restaurant.

(The photos of Sakura, Japanese quince, and Chinese quince are from the last year.)