The University’s campus is renowned for its botanical charms – its lush and verdant woodlands, the kaleidoscopic floral offerings, a variety of birds and even the occasional curious squirrel.
But there is one natural wonder on campus that is not an everyday sighting and that many look forward to seeing each year – the cherry blossoms at the University Lodge.
Each spring, the University Lodge – the official residence of the President and Vice-Chancellor – opens its doors and welcomes students and staff onto the estate to relax and enjoy the flowers and the gardens.
But the star of the show is always the pair of cherry trees in full bloom along the north edge of the lawn. This year, nearly 600 visitors joined the floral pilgrimage.
“With the warmth of spring, I discovered that cherry blossoms could be found at HKU. So I visited the President’s residence and when I saw the cherry flowers in bloom, I felt myself relaxing and getting calmer. It was a good break from the fast pace and pressures of classes,” said Alice Lam Wai-yi, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Chinese History and Culture.
For some, the annual visits have started to become something of a tradition. “This is my second time at this event and the experience gets better each year!” exclaimed third-year Bachelor of Arts student, Jody Chun Wai. “The cherry blossoms symbolise the beginning of spring, and how everything comes back to life. I got to connect with HKU students and distinguished colleagues. I loved how we all hit it off and took photos together!”
