DC Cherry Blossoms in 2021
It seems increasingly likely that DC will still be under COVID-19 restrictions in spring 2021 while the cherry blossoms are blooming. So it's shaping up to be a good year to follow along from afar from the safety and comfort of your home.
It’s a beautifully clear and cool morning down at the Tidal Basin.
The National Park Service said that the cherry trees had reached the green buds stage as of February 28. That’s the first stage after the trees awaken from their winter dormancy and the first of the six stages marked as they head into bloom.
February 28 is early, but there have been several other times in recent years that have been just as early or even earlier. While it typically suggests an early bloom (in mid- to late-March), there have been exceptions when cold air came and settled over the region. That occurred in 2018, when the green buds stage was marked on February 24 but peak bloom didn’t end up happening until April 5.
Stay tuned on Wednesday for the National Park Service’s announcement of their initial peak bloom prediction.
Below, I have some photos taken this morning around the Tidal Basin, including some of the indicator tree and another early bloomer, both of which are well ahead of most of the trees.
How it Looks This Morning
Here are some shots of how it looks at the Tidal Basin this morning.
The Japanese Pagoda.
Saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial next to the Tidal Basin.
Early Bloomers
This is a tree I typically track through the blooming process. It’s a different variety and is separate from the indicator tree (on the opposite side of the Tidal Basin), but it reliably marches ahead of the other trees by several days. You can see here that it’s ahead of the other trees but still has a way to go.
Indicator Tree
The indicator tree is one on the south-eastern side of the Tidal Basin that is reliably a week or two ahead of the others. I have more information on it, including how to find it, here.
As of this morning, it’s well ahead of the others. If you look closely, you can even see some white petals starting to poke through in some places.
The indicator tree.
The indicator tree.
The indicator tree. You can see some white petals starting to poke through here.
Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is undergoing a major renovation project to clean the dome. So the exterior is covered in scaffolding (you can still access the interior, which is mostly scaffolding free).
There’s no particular news here, but from time to time I’ll include some shots of it mainly so that any photographers planning some sunrise shots know what to expect and don’t get a disappointing surprise when they turn up to find scaffolding.
Renovations at the Jefferson Memorial are expected to last at least through May.
Renovations at the Jefferson Memorial are expected to last at least through May.
Things Happening Nearby
Elsewhere near the Tidal Basin:
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is drained for repairs.
- The Jefferson Memorial is covered in scaffolding to clean the domed roof.
- The water features of the FDR Memorial are still drained and turned off.
Photographing Flowers
At this time of year, there are beautiful flowers to be had all over the place. Maybe in your backyard. Maybe in the local park.
These are ere are some of my favorite books that I've reviewed on taking photos of flowers:
- Timber Press OR
- Detrick, Alan L. (Author)
- Focal Press
- Davis, Harold (Author)
Jay says
What a great source of information. Thank you!
David says
Glad it’s helpful!
Will Thomas says
Do you know when they will have the reflecting pool up by the Capital filled? Thanks for your ongoing efforts to provide great information. It is a shame they Lincoln will be covered with scaffolding during peak season.
David says
Then they announced the closing on February 19, they said they expected it to be refilled in about 30 days. So just in time for the equinox (fingers crossed!).
Chris says
When you say opposite of the tidal basin, where exactly is the indicator tree located?
David says
The two trees I was talking about here are opposite sides of the Tidal Basin. The indicator tree is on the south-east corner, not far from the Jefferson Memorial. I have specific directions to finding it here. The other early bloomer I mentioned here is along the western shore in front of the FDR Memorial.