Thursday, March 09, 2006

Cherry Blossoms Getting Ready

The Park Service has now made its prediction for when the peak of the cherry blossom season will occur.

The peak blooming period for the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in the District will occur from March 27 to April 1, the National Park Service announced today.

The prediction was made by Robert DeFeo, chief horticulturist of the Park Service, at a news briefing. If his prediction holds, the cherry blossoms will be at their best during the first days of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for March 25 to April 9.

It seems to be coming a bit early this year, which should be no surprise after the very warm January we had. The only thing that could cause a setback for the blossoms would be a sudden cold snap that kills the buds.

Every year, the blooming of cherry blossoms is a major event in the district, and it is accompanied by the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which includes parades and various other events. It is one of a few uniquely Washingtonian events.

If you happen to be visiting here at that time, you should definitely head over to the Tidal Basin area to see this.