My trip to DC was perfect timing for the the blooming of the Cherry Blossom Trees. You may think, I don’t see any “cherries” in the photos and you would be correct. These Cherry Blossom Trees do not produce fruit. BUT…they sure make beautiful photos even they are taken with an iPhone.
Do you know where these wild cherry trees came from? It’s an interesting story :-)
This tree is also known as Japanese Cherry and Sakura. I think it’s also the national flower for Japan. The story of the Cherry Blossom trees in DC goes back many years.
In 1912, Mayor Yukon Ozaki of Tokyo gifted 3000 Cherry Trees to Washington DC (US capital).
Even though the trees arrived in DC in 1912, the process or request of these trees goes back to 1885.
It appears that a female board member from the National Park Service in the US had visited Japan and fell in love with the Cherry Blossom trees and had made a request for these trees to be planted along the Potomac River in DC.
Her request was ignored for many years until 1909 when she wrote to the Presidents wife at the time and gained a supporter. Soon an exchange with Japan was in process.
The first batch 2000 trees were infested and fell to disease and later were replaced with 3000 other Cherry Blossom Trees from Japan.
The story goes on to share how the US in return donated a group of flowering dogwood trees to Japan in return.
The first Cherry Blossom festival was held in 1927 and it’s been going since. It’s really quite an amazing story that captures the heart of many people and photographers alike.
The trees look like a soft pink pillow in full bloom from afar. In peak season, it’s color and various photos taken are amazing.
And of course you have this affect along the Potomac river in DC as it turns “pink” with all the blooms.
Who knew how the wish and grit of one person can bring such a gift to all of humanity for so many years.
I hope you enjoyed my story and photos. Thank you.