Community Corner

Peak Bloom Time Announced for Cherry Blossom 2013 Trees

This week's wintry weather will soon give way to area's famous cherry blossoms. Visitors can also see flowering gardens in Fairfax County.

With a winter storm likely on the way, it doesn't seem possible that cherry blossoms will soon be blooming. But if you have friends and family coming to Chantilly soon to visit, to see the area's famous cherry blossom trees, you'll want to jot down the peak dates on your calendar. 

The peak bloom is just weeks away for the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin in D.C., where the famous trees that ring the water are expected to be at their fullest from Tuesday, March 26-Saturday, March 30, organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival announced Monday.

The trees were a gift from Japan 100 years ago in 1912. The official start of the festival is March 20, running until April 14.

Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fairfax County residents may want to take a look at options beyond the crowded Tidal Basin. If you want to see what Fairfax County has to offer in celebration of horticulture, take some time to visit the locations described below.

Garden Tours

River Farm: 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Va. 22308 
A former estate located on 25 acres of gardens and lawns alongside the Potomac River south of Alexandria, River Farm serves as the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It is also open to the public for various community events, children's programs, weddings and special occasions, as well as general visits. Admission is free. (Be sure to call ahead: (703) 768-5700; the AHS Web site says River Farm is open beginning in "early April.")

Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Va. 22182
More than 100 cherry trees surround the 95-acre complex which also includes a garden with seasonal blooms. Part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, there is an admission fee to enter Meadowlark, which you can check here, although children under age 6 are admitted free. Admission to the park closes at 5:30 p.m. during March, 6:30 p.m. in April. A special tip from the garden: Check out the daffodils near the Woods Gazebo and Lake Carolyn irises and cherry trees.

Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 22312
Green Spring Gardens offers an array of trees, plants and flowers that were donated to Fairfax County in 1970 by the Straight family, who purchased the land in 1942.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Chantilly