Today’s blossoms at Stanton Park 3/9/17. Photo by María Helena Carey
The National Park Service announced yesterday their revised cherry blossom peak dates. The new peak dates are March 19 through the 22nd. This prediction places peak a couple of days into the future thanks to a cold snap coming through this weekend. Here at The Hill is Home we are huge fans of the Cherry Blossom Festival. We are also fans of the city’s main, most stunning display of friendship between Japan and the United States: the Yoshino cherry trees planted all around the Tidal Basin and Hains Point. However, we are also huge fans of our neighborhood (obv), and of sanity, because the crowds get a little crazy. If you absolutely cannot get to the Tidal Basin, make sure you check out our own cherry displays at these just-as-stunning locales, perfect for strolling, picnicking, and contemplating the ephemeral nature of youth and life:
- Stanton Park, C Street NE between 4th and 6th and streets (it’s the #2 place according to Curbed!)
- Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE, which has earlier-flowering Sargent cherries, Yoshinos and Kwanzan trees.
- The Senate Reflecting pool, D Street NE at at North Capitol Street and Louisiana Avenue
- Across the street at the Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism, a triangle park bound by Louisiana Avenue NW, D Street NW, and First Street NW. Technically in northwest, but it’s just crossing a street and it’s still Ward 6.
Photo of Congressional Cemetery’s blooms by Instagram user @dmvbeth, via Instagram
It’s worth noting that there are gorgeous examples of Yoshino cherries –as well as later-blooming Kwanzan cherries and redbud trees planted all over the neighborhood. At Lincoln Park there are saucer magnolias, which were adversely affected by last weekend’s cold snap, but are still going strong. Casey Trees has a great map that helps you identify the trees on your street. Sadly, the data seems to be missing for several parks and open areas around the city.
Enjoy all the blooms! If you snap a photo, make sure you tag #TheHillisHome on Instagram so we can feature your photos!