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.”
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.
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
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.
My writing blog
Follow Along
Bonsai Roots, Repotting an Azalea at the National Arboretum
Join Curator Michael James and me on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1 pm, EST, for a Road Scholar Online Program when he will be re-potting this...
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays!
Here is the promised photo of the Imperial Decoration I received on May 10, 2022 from Ambassador Tomita at his Residence in Washington, D.C.: the...
Peak Bloom Prediction for DC!
The National Park Service predicts that the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom during the week of March 22nd, just three...