Peak Bloom is Coming Soon for DC's Famous Cherry Blossoms

Mayor Muriel Bowser at the Cherry Blossom Festival kick-off event.

By Dorvall Bedford

Springtime is on its way, and that means so are the cherry blossom flowers! Editor Kathy Jentz and I were able to attend the opening press event for the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the terrace floor of the 1331 Maryland Apartments building, which had a stunning view of the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. Though the room where it took place was quite small, it was packed with government officials, representatives from the Embassy of Japan, and many reporters.

Before all the announcements and speeches, they provided officials and reporters alike with pastries and drinks. And once the event really began, they announced upcoming events like the Blossom Kite Festival and the second annual Petal Porch Parade, which Washington Gardener Magazine plans to participate in again,

But you’re probably wondering about one thing: the actual cherry blossoms. Rest assured, National Park Service Superintendent Jeffrey Reinbold announced when the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms will happen soon. After an amusing performance by a juggler dressed in pink from her hair down to her toes, Reinbold said March 22 to 25 will be the time of peak bloom (if the weather over the next 3 weeks cooperates).

There was also another interesting announcement that happened during the event. Ryo Kuroishi from the Embassy of Japan said that 2022 marks the 110th anniversary of Tokyo gifting the cherry trees to Washington, DC. Kuroishi said the trees have become a lasting symbol for the friendship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the root for springtime celebrations.

“I’m sure that when people gathered at the Tidal Basin in 1912 to plant the first tree, they had no idea what an impact the effort would make,” he said in his speech.

I was able to talk to Mike Litterst, spokesperson for the National Mall, who told me about what goes into taking care of the cherry blossom trees. The National Park Service has a full-time arborist and tree crew responsible for mulching, pruning, watering, and more. Litterst said taking care of the trees is not too different from what people do with trees on their own property, but just on a larger scale.

And when he said larger scale, he meant over 3,700 trees!

The National Park Service receives money from different sources to pay for all the maintenance, according to Litterst. Part of it comes from their operating budget while other money comes from the fundraising efforts of partners like the Trust for the National Mall and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

I spoke to President Diana Mayhew of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, who said they’re trying to raise $1000 for every tree this year through the Endow a Cherry Tree Campaign. People can adopt one of the many cherry trees, which Mayhew said you could do for an anniversary, special occasion, or to honor someone.

Litterst said people can also help keep the cherry trees safe by not picking the blossoms, climbing the trees, and staying on paths when they can.

Now that it’s been announced when the cherry blossoms will bloom, it’s time to start planning your trip to the Tidal Basin. I know I’ll be there when the flowers are out!

Also, be sure to check out our popular post on "17+ Cherry Blossom Viewing Alternatives in the DC Region" for other places to visit blossoming cherry trees in the DC-region.

About the Author:
Dorvall Bedford is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this semester with Washington Gardener. He is a native of Frederick, MD.