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Caption Master gardener Wayne Woodworth is trying to grow a better cherry blossom tree that will thrive in Macon. Credit: Liz Fabian/CCJ
The security of Macon’s status as “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World” could rest in Wayne Woodworth’s backyard.
On his tiny patch of the Providence neighborhood, Woodworth is trying to grow a better cherry tree.
The Yoshino, which is the star of the Macon-Bibb County’s annual signature festival, struggles in the hot Southern climate and has become susceptible to disease. Plus, the 20-year life expectancy is about up for many trees already in decline around town. Grafting can triple the lifespan in some climates, he’s learned.