The warmer weather has brought out delicate shades of fragrant blossom across Kent. What’s On sniffed out some of the best displays to marvel at.

In Japan, with its icy winters and humid summers, the appearance of delicate cherry blossom, or sakura, is a national obsession. There are intricate customs and traditions to herald its arrival, in a festival known as Hanami.

Blossom is so big in Japan, that even five thousand miles away, Faversham’s fruit collection at Brogdale is paying tribute to the customs of the land of the rising sun with a Japanese blossom festival of its own.

Like the generations of families in Japanese towns who gather in the fresh spring air to enjoy an afternoon under the cherry blossom trees, Hanami visitors to Brogdale will get a blossom tour around the National Fruit Collection, with a talk on Japanese traditions.

And, as the Japanese enjoy drinks and a picnic together under and around the beautiful trees in blossom, Hanami visitors at Brogdale will get a chance to taste some traditional Japanese snacks. They can also bring their own picnic, to eat among the blossoming cherry trees.

An exhibition will feature artefacts borrowed from the Japanese Embassy, including tableware, decorations and clothing. Numbers are limited, to ensure visitors get some space and peace to enjoy their surroundings.

Brogdale’s Bernie Cranfield, who devised the event, now in its second year, says: “It offers exceptional scenic beauty, a showcase of Kent’s finest horticultural assets and a cultural experience all wrapped up into one.

“It has had so much interest since the launch last year and has encouraged new visitors from a range of age groups. One couple who came last spring had to cancel their visit to see the cherry blossom in Japan so were delighted they could get the next best thing here in Kent.”

The Brogdale Collection holds over 323 different fruiting cherry varieties and an additional 42 varieties of ornamental cherry trees. Visitors to Hanami will see apple, pear, apricot and plum blossom, as well as the cherry blossom.

The Brogdale Collection is at Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, Faversham ME13 8XZ. Tickets for Hanami at Brogdale, starting at dates to be arranged in the coming weeks, are £11.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. This includes Japanese snack tasting, but please bring your own picnic.

Times and dates vary, according to weather and progress of blossom. Guide dogs only.

Booking is essential on 01795 536250 or for information on general opening, see www.brogdalecollections.co.uk