5a50426u.JPG)
Btw, that building in the background of the 2nd shot is a WWI memorial, I think to soldiers from DC.
Posted on 03/26/2006 4:06:05 PM PST by Ligeia
WASHINGTON - The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin will be getting plenty of attention this week, especially if the weather gets warmer.
The blossoms are supposed to hit peak bloom Monday, and the National Park Service's chief horticulturist said it should last for about 10 to 14 days.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival started Saturday, and is expected to bring about one million people to the city. The festival runs through April 9.
This marks the 94th anniversary of Japan's gift of the trees to Washington
Nah. They are very old trees. Much like people when they grow old, who wake up at 3am and don't know why; the trees bloom early, and don't know why.
That goes without saying! Thanks for the link.
Btw, that building in the background of the 2nd shot is a WWI memorial, I think to soldiers from DC.
When I first visited DC in the 60's, the blossoms always peaked around the 6th or 7th of April. Now, I am told it is usually the end of March. Global warming?It all depends on the Jan/Feb weather. We had a very, very warm January, but we avoided the problems of blossom-killing frosts of a cold February. The worst Springs follow exceptionally warm mid-winter weather that fools the plants into thinking Spring has come, then smothers them with a February cold.
DC weather is practically arbitrary. We're stuck between two climates, and it varies year to year. I remember some white 25 Decembers, and others at 70-degrees. This year we had only one mid-Winter storm. It's otherwise been consistently mild Winter.
That means we're in for a beautiful Spring. My favorites are the Dogwoods.
I have a special connection to DC and cherry trees, particularly one at the entrance to the Georgetown University campus.
Dang it, I waited until the end of February to arrange a week off to go to DC to see the cherry trees blossom, after 16 years of thinking about it.
10-14 days? I might be able to see some of it.
Would I be out of order to hope for really cold weather there a few more days? I plan to be there from the 1st through the 8th...
Thanks to the NPS, the park is well preserved. Those photos could be current. Thanks for posting them.
I was there this afternoon.
They are ready to pop. A few trees are completely out, but most need a couple more days.
Thank you for the up-to-the-minute report!
BUMP!
Proposed to Mrs. Stormhands under the cherry blossoms with that view of the Jefferson.
20 years ago today. ;-)
Happy anniversary!
I shall send you another photo of it taken Sunday, the 2nd or Monday...
BUMP!
A romantic dwarf. Ain't that special. ;-)
Awwwww! It was a beautiful day today. Pure blue sky. A nice day for an anniversary.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.