Prunus+mume+'W.+B.+Clarke'-weeping+Japanese+flowering+apricot

I decided to do my research on this tree because I was intrigued by the name. I found it has a wonderful flower that blooms around February and into the Spring. Linked below is its enchanting history and significance. It also explains the cultural information gained from this flower. Not only is the fruit produced from this tree important, but it also holds a royal significance in Japan as a delicacy. In the U.S. It is used more an a garden ornament, but still produces a tasty treat for the owner. The link is provided here: http://www.arthurleej.com/p-o-m-Mar05.html

Application: I loved this field trip. My family has always had a bit of a green thumb, so plants are actually a small hobby of mine. Both my grandparents crossbreed plants- specifically lilies- and have their own little array of special flowers. This would be a great way to study culture for middle school students because it helps them understand what other cultures see as valuable. When I went through the different gardens, I tried to see why settlers would bring this flower into America. What made it so important? For many, I could not think of anything but beauty; however, for others I could see why it was important. This would also be a really great for a diverse class to learn appreciation for those within it. Students could pick their favorite plant that is native to their heritage, research it, and present it to the class. They could explain the connections it has to their family heritage and what they learned about that heritage through researching it. If a class could not afford to actually go to the arboretum, there are plenty of pictures and descriptions the teacher could use. The teacher could create a “virtual tour” through slide shows that would allow the students to still see the gardens.