IN JAPAN, ‘Hanami’– or ‘flower viewing’ – is all about enjoying the fleeting beauty of blossom trees as they come into bloom.

There’s no better bringer of gratitude for the arrival of spring than the gentle flutter of falling petals surrounding you as you stroll through a garden or orchard.

The Japanese even have a name for that, ‘Hana no ame’ – or ‘flower rain’ – which is when blossom sprinkles down from trees.

Go on your own flower-viewing adventure as you take a stroll through these National Trust gardens in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex under the ethereal arbours of blossoming fruit trees.

* Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming, GU8 4AD.

As the days lengthen, the warming sunlight gradually awakens a miscellany of flowering trees across the hillside at Winkworth Arboretum. Magnolias and tree blossom herald the new season, followed by rhododendrons and azaleas.

Winkworth is famous for its carpets of bluebells. For the best views, follow the Spring Walk and you’ll head right into Bluebell Wood, where the most spectacular swathes await.

* The Vyne, near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL.

The Vyne’s walled garden borders are packed with deep purple Queen of the Night tulips. Daffodils line the path and you’ll find fresh bunches for sale. They cluster alongside the magnificent lake, too, making a spring walk extra special.

In April, the blossom comes thick and fast in the Vyne’s gardens and hedgerows. Wander beneath clouds of apple blossom in the orchard meadow, or see the Japanese cherry trees blooming in the Summerhouse Garden.

* Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0LA.

In spring, Hinton Ampner’s orchard is full of frothy creamy-white and soft pink Japanese cherry blossom. First to appear are the soft pink double flowers of variety ‘Kanzan’.

In April, the blowsy cream blooms of Mount Fuji appear, weighing branches down towards the ground. In the walled kitchen garden espaliered fruit trees bear tight clusters of pink and white flowers.

* Uppark, near Petersfield, GU31 5QR.

Pure white scented narcissi Thalia and Ice Follies greet you as you arrive at Uppark’s smart main gates. The driveway and café frontage are packed with fragrant creamy-coloured variety WP Milner – 55,000 were planted in 2018, so you can enjoy the scent and colour of spring as you tuck into fresh home-made cake and scones from Uppark’s café.

* Woolbeding Gardens, near Midhurst, GU29 9RR.

Woolbeding Gardens delights at every turn with its distinctive garden rooms set against thoughtfully-composed borders.

English apples climb up the walls in cordons in the herb garden, which features a sundial at the centre and spiralling topiary alongside.

For more information and ideas for great seasonal days out, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk