Thousands of cherry trees bloom around the waters of the Tidal Basin, which reflect the trees’ images. The basin was created in the late 1800s to prevent the Potomac River from flooding. The original cherry trees were a gift from Japan. On March 26, 1912, more than 3,000 cherry trees arrived in Washington. Most were planted around the Tidal Basin. But cherry trees were also planted near the Washington Monument and the White House.
Mike Litterst is a spokesperson for the U.S. National Park Service, which maintains (维护) the West Potomac Park, and helps protect the cherry trees. “It’s this wonderful gift that’s over 100 years old now and, if you will, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. You can enjoy its beauty every year.”
The cherry blossoms also serve as a symbol of the beginning of springtime. They burst with colors of soft pink and white. The blossoming of the cherry blossoms every spring is sort of the great springtime celebration, not only in the District of Columbia but throughout the United States. Every year, Washington celebrates the arrival of spring with a two-week Cherry Blossom Festival. More than 1.5 million people from around the world visit the nation’s capital during the festival. They all hope to see the cherry trees at their “peak bloom.”
Park officials define “peak bloom” as the period when 70 percent of Washington’s most common cherry trees—Yoshino trees are blooming. Peak bloom lasts several days each year. Experts begin making peak bloom predictions in February. Visitors make their travel plans to Washington based on these predictions. Some years, the early guesses are correct. Last year, officials correctly predicted the peak bloom six weeks in advance. But this year, unpredictable weather in March in Washington has made guessing it difficult. “Peak bloom” dates have changed many times.
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