Peak Bloom

Most Washingtonians already know that this week is peak bloom for our famous cherry trees. Even if you haven’t seen the flowering trees, you can tell by the hordes of tourists that have descended upon the city. If (like me) you don’t enjoy fighting the crowds down at the Tidal Basin, there are quite beautiful cherry blossom displays scattered throughout the city. The Washington Gardner Magazing blog has a list here that includes Dumbarton Oaks and the National Arboretum. There are also some pretty impressive displays in some of the city’s smaller parks like the view from my office window in Stanton Park (4th and Mass Ave NE) , and the park/walkway from Union Station to the Capitol Building. My favorite way to see peak bloom  is heading to the Tidal Basin after dark. The tourists have departed, and the lighting gives the cherry blossoms a beautiful pink glow.

Time is short. Peak bloom ends Thursday, although there are always a few late bloomers like the new cherry trees at Nationals Park that failed to bloom by opening day.