'Cherry' Ingram

'Cherry' Ingram: The Englishman Who Saved Japan’s Blossoms by Naoko Abe is a captivating biography that chronicles the life of Collingwood Ingram, affectionately known as "Cherry" Ingram due to his profound passion for cherry blossoms. Born in 1880, Ingram became a distinguished British ornithologist and horticulturist. His fascination with Japan's iconic sakura led him to amass an extensive collection of cherry tree varieties in his English garden. During a visit to Japan in 1926, Ingram observed a decline in cherry blossom diversity, with native species being overshadowed by the cloned Somei-yoshino variety, which had become a symbol of Japan's expansionist ambitions. Determined to preserve these botanical treasures, he reintroduced the "Taihaku" or "Great White Cherry" to Japan—a variety that had vanished from its native land but thrived in his garden. Abe's meticulously researched narrative not only highlights Ingram's botanical contributions but also delves into the cultural and political significance of cherry blossoms in Japan. The book offers a poignant exploration of how one individual's dedication can bridge cultures and safeguard natural heritage, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms continues to enchant the world each spring.