While the beautiful cherry blossoms are now an important part of the capital, it wasn't until the early twentieth century that the cherry trees graced D.C.'s landscape In 1885, Eliza Scidmore, a member of the National Geographical Society and recent traveler to Japan, proposed planting cherry trees along the Potomac. After pursuing the issue for more than two decades, Mrs. Scidmore received a response in 1909 from the first lady, Helen Taft. Upon hearing of the plan to plant cherry trees, a Japanese chemist and a Japanese consul met with the first lady and offered to ship 2,000 trees as a gift from Tokyo. Unfortunately, those trees were sickly, and they were destroyed. In 1912, however, Tokyo sent the United States another gift: 3,020 cherry trees. Over the years, Japan has continued to give the U.S. cherry trees.
Cherry blossoms, a significant plant in Japanese culture, symbolize friendship, love and life. The blossoms that cover Washington, D.C. in a blanket of soft pink every spring are featured in three National Park Service locations: the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park; the East Potomac Park, or Hains Point; and the Washington Monument. Japan's initial gift included twelve varieties of cherry trees. Currently, the collection is dominated by two types: Yoshino, whose white flowers dominate the Tidal basin, and Kwanzan, which are the pink blooms found in East Potomac park. Other types of trees include the Akebono, Weeping, Autumn Flowering, Sargent, Usuzumi and Takesimensis cherry trees.
Washington, D.C., offers its tourists a lot throughout the year, but cherry blossoms make the spring an especially beautiful time to visit. Since the blooming of cherry blossoms depends on the weather and other conditions, it is impossible to predict precisely when the flowers will bloom until early March. While the average date of blooming is April 4, the different stages of blooms, from the brilliant bright pink early buds to the delicate pink blossoms to even the pale flecks of falling petals are worth seeing. Plan a visit around other activities, such as the annual parade and festival. Visitors coming on weekends or during peak bloom, however, should brace themselves for crowds.
Every April, the nation's capital celebrates Japan's beautiful gift of cherry blossom trees, and the United State's friendship with this Asian country. For about 16 days and three weekends, D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival, or the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, offers a variety of free activities. From the opening ceremony at the National Building Museum, to a community cherry blossom art show at Union Station, to the performances along the Tidal Basin, the entire city celebrates the start of spring. Along with looking at the awe-inspiring blossoms, guests can watch a parade, eat delicious food, enjoy fireworks and watch a variety of shows from martial arts demonstrations to Japanese pop music shows.
