April Showers bring May Flowers - Wildflowers and Sakura Matsuri

With this week's rain behind us, the weekend ahead promises pretty weather and two big ways to celebrate the city in bloom again.

May 1-9 is NYC Wildflower Week.  There are tons of events in every borough to expose residents to the native species in our area, as well as explorations of New York City's open space, including many locations typically closed to the public.  It may be hard to believe but New York City's biodiversity is surprisingly strong, yet many species are fragile.  Wildflower Week will kick off with a giveaway from 8am-3pm at the Union Square Greenmarket, where you can pick up native plant seedlings (while supplies last) and other swag.  There are walks, kids events, lectures and more.  Most events are free but some require an RSVP.  Check for a full schedule here.   
www.nycwildflowerweek.org

Cherry blossoms may be past peak in most areas, but the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's 2010 Sakura Matsuri celebration will take place this weekend, May 1 &2.  There are more than 60 events scheduled in this celebration of Japanese culture, ranging from music and food to manga and poetry, so this weekend the Botanic Garden promises more than cherry blossoms to help welcome spring. 
www.bbg.org/sakura2010/