In April of 2005, George and I went with a group of people to Washington D.C. on a tour bus. We went for a specific reason (which I'll talk about in tomorrow's blog), but we also just happened to be there during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Today, I'll share these pictures with you. But first, let me tell you a little about the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring more than 200 international cultural performances and over 90 other special events. From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
In 1912, the people of Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees to the United States as a gift of friendship. First Lady Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. These two original trees are still standing today near the John Paul Jones statue at the south end of 17th Street. Workmen planted the remainder of the trees around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park.
Approximately 3,750 cherry trees are on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. Most of the trees are Yoshino Cherry. Other species include Kwanzan Cherry, Akebono Cherry, Takesimensis Cherry, Usuzumi Cherry, Weeping Japanese Cherry, Sargent Cherry, Autumn Flowering Cherry, Fugenzo Cherry, Afterglow Cherry, Shirofugen Cherry and Okame Cherry. I didn't know that there were THAT many different Cherry trees. Did you???? Washington, DC’s famed cherry trees grow in three park locations: around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park (Hains Point), and on the grounds of the Washington Monument.
Since we were in D.C. for another reason, we only got to see the beautiful Cherry trees from our bus. Therefore, the photos are not as good as they might have been IF we had have been able to walk around more. But, hopefully, you will enjoy them anyhow!!!! The picture above shows one of the Cherry trees--with the Washington Monument in the background. Below are more photos.
Here's one of the beautiful white Cherries.
Here's one of the pretty Pink Weeping Cherry tree.
I included these also--even though they are a little blurry. Aren't they beautiful????
I love seeing the blue sky behind these pink Cherry trees.
In this picture are more Cherry trees ---and you can also see the Lincoln Memorial.
Excuse the bus window reflection, but enjoy seeing the Washington Monument and the World War I American Army Monument.
The bus ride was really pretty--especially as we drove through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
We paralleled the Blue Ridge Parkway while enjoying the Shenandoah Valley.
We had a great trip ---so tune in tomorrow to see why we REALLY went to D.C. Have a fabulous Easter Weekend. Eat a big chocolate bunny for me!
Hugs,
P.S. Fellow bloggers have been SO nice to me. If you look down on my sidebar, you'll see several different blogger awards that I have received. These mean so much to me---and I appreciate all of my blogger friends who not only have given me an award--but especially those of you who come to my posts and leave such nice comments. SO---today, I am giving these awards to YOU... Just look through the list and choose one or two, grab them and put them on your blog from ME!!!!! Happy Easter... I love all of you!