Sakura- Cherry Blossoms in DC

It was good fortune to be in DC this year as the cherry blossoms came into bloom.  In Japan, the ornamental Prunus subg. Cerasus are symbolic of the ephemeral nature of life,  and also tied to national spirit.  -They are called Sakura in Japan.- These abundant flowering trees are native to Asia, and contrast with our native cherries that have modest blooms but yield abundant fruits.

While most attention is given to the cherry blossoms around the National Mall, there are many displays throughout Washington such as this towering cherry tree just off Rock Creek Park.

One early morning, I walked over to photograph the scene.  When I complimented the owner on the tree's beauty, he remarked that a professional arborist cares for the tree.

There are over twelve hundred cherries near the Tidal Basin.  They don't all bloom at the same time nor display identical coloration.  These pinks are just a little short of full bloom.

 Along the promenade one sees some very old cherry trees.  I was told there are twelve trees that date back to the original gift from Japan in 1912.  Perhaps this is one of those.

Walking farther along the path, the visitor comes to another striking monument, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.  There was a decision to make with this scene.  Where to put the focus?  My decision was that you immediately know it is MLK Jr., even if soft. The tree is less obvious out of focus.

And, sometimes the best scenes are found when looking away from the Tidal Basin. Here is a first surprise.  This is a rare location to capture the reflection of the Washington Monument.  All other places had tree branches over the monument.

It was time to return to our apartment, and the sun was so intense.  On the way to the bus stop near  the Mall, there was another cherry framing the Washington Monument.

I learned two things while doing these photos.  First, be there early if possible. By late morning, it gets very crowded.  Finally, use transit - whether the Metro to the Smithsonian station or a bus. I used the number 52 bus that delivered me even closer that the Metro.  Senior fare was only $1.   I walked one block to number 52 route begins, and arriving at 14th and Constitution it was only about four to the tidal basin.  Beats driving.

Paul