From the United States Botanic Garden:

“Celebrate the botanical beauty of America as the United States Botanic Garden presents “America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration!” From April 10 through October 12, 2026, the Garden will showcase the official flowers for all U.S. states and territories. Find living examples of the flowering plants representing each state and territory spread throughout the Conservatory and outdoor gardens, along with accompanying signs sharing information about them. Official flowers are as varied as each state of the union – ranging from fragrant magnolias and roses to saguaro cactus, a native orchid, bluebonnets, and many dozens more!

In addition to the living plants, (more…)



photo by Jeanette.Cook

Ed. Note: On behalf of humanity – don’t drive down!! Trust me.

The National Park Service makes the call this morning:

“PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM!

It’s official! The cherry blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸!”

Peak bloom was initially predicted to arrive between March 29 – April 1 so it’s come a bit. That 80 degree definitely sped things up.

More from NPS: (more…)


From the National Park Service:

“ATTENTION EVERYONE! We have Peduncle Elongation. I repeat, Stage 4: Peduncle Elongation. The cherry blossoms have reached the 4th of 6 stages on the path to Peak Bloom.”

Peak Bloom has been predicted to arrive between March 29 – April 1. Given tomorrow’s 80+ degree day, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that date bumped up a day or two – stay tuned!!


Thanks to Josh for sending above: “this sad little orange tree, abandoned mid-sidewalk, lights still on, seems to merit some (dis)honorable mention…”

Note: Last Christmas Tree in Town starts every year on Saint Patrick’s Day. Last Christmas Tree in Town is brought to you by the Friends of the White Whale Society.

And the awesome map above is from Casey Trees: (more…)



photo by Dave Lyons

BIG news from the National Park Service:

“We’re projecting cherry blossom Peak Bloom to arrive between March 29 – April 1 this year.
Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in Peak Bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958). 🌸🌸🌸

Peak Bloom is defined as the period of time when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms -the most common variety- are open, creating gorgeous clouds of white & pink flowers floating around the Tidal Basin.”

WMATA reports: (more…)


UPDATE 10:45am: Thanks to Mari for writing, “It is sold out. There is now a waiting list. This is the link.”

Thanks to All who’ve passed on the painful message as they try to register for Tulip Day:

“This site is currently unavailable.
If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.”

Updates when they get back online. (more…)


UPDATE 10:45am Monday: Thanks to Mari for writing, “It is sold out. There is now a waiting list. This is the link.”

Well this is awesome:

“Tulip Day Washington 2026, March 15

This spring, one of America’s most colorful public events will make its debut in the nation’s capital as Tulip Day Washington transforms DC’s National Mall into a breathtaking tulip-picking garden on March 15, 2026.

Approximately 150,000 tulips will be a vibrant, one-day floral showcase with views of the U.S. Capitol. From 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, visitors will be invited to pick ten tulips for free to welcome the arrival of spring.

EVENT DETAILS (more…)


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