Author Ann McClellan

The Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Celebration and Cherry Blossoms, The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Because of these books, Ann received a Certificate of Commendation from the government of Japan for “promoting mutual understanding between our two countries through [her] great efforts and activities with cherry trees.”

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Intrepid Author

Ann McClellan

Her life-long love of trees began in New Jersey where she was lucky enough to grow up at The Lawrenceville School, an arboretum-like campus laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted. Now a Washington, DC, resident, she has held executive positions at the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund, and the American Association of Museums among other prestigious organizations.

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Books by Ann McClellan

Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace & Beauty

The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration

The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration

Cherry Blossoms: The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossoms: The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

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This is a wonderful book, the photographs are SO, SO beautiful and the information very interesting. I have been to Japan in cherry blossom season, now I so want to try again to go to our capital for this beautiful event, I tried once and my job caused me not to be able to go, but I really have to get there now that I am retired. You will love this book, buy it.

Daunn Munn Blossom Festival

Public Speaking

Upcoming Events

Ann’s cherry blossom and bonsai talks are fun and informative for all ages. She uses lots of illustrations ranging from fine art to photographs, and includes stories about the many people whose lives have touched these special trees.

She explains the meaning of the cherry blossoms to the Japanese, as well as sharing myths and tales related to them. She includes the history of how they came to be planted around Washington’s Tidal Basin, what the National Cherry Blossom Festival is like, and information about different varieties of trees today.

Her bonsai talks emphasize the trees as living works of art, their connection to Shinto beliefs and garden design in Japan, and their role as ambassadors. Bonsai can only exist if humans create and care for them, and Ann includes many stories of bonsai artists and admirers.

Coming Soon

In the works

16th Century

Ann is editing her rough draft of a novel set in 16th century France.  It focuses on King Francis the First and his last official mistress who did not want the job.  She was forced into it by her scheming family, costing her everything.  The main action takes place at Fontainebleau.

The image of Francis the First shown above is from a wall mural seen in Crèvecœur-le-Grand in the Oise department of northern France.

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