🌸 It's the time of year again in our nation's capitol when we commemorate the 1912 gift of 3,000+ cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to Washington, DC, celebrating the enduring friendship between the people of the US and Japan. 🌸

🌸 Did you know that planting cherry trees in the US were advocated as early as 1885? According to the National Park Service, when Eliza Scidmore returned to DC from her first visit to Japan, she approached the Office of Public Buildings & Grounds with the proposal to plant Japanese Cherry Trees, but her request was immediately shut down. 🌸

🌸 It was not until 1910 that the first 2,000 trees arrived in Washington, DC. To everyone's dismay, the trees were infested and were burned down! Luckily, the Mayor of Tokyo suggested that a second and larger donation be made to replace the sick trees. 🌸

🌸 On February 14, 1912, 3,020 cherry trees (with 12 varieties!) left Japan by boat, arriving in DC on March 26, 1912. The next day, First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda planted two Yoshino cherry trees. 🌸

🌸 Peak bloom is the magical period when visitors can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The peak bloom dates are defined as the days when 70 percent of the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin have opened their buds, creating an unforgettable sea of pink and white canopy. 🌸

🌸 You can assist in the effort to preserve and protect DC's iconic cherry trees through the Trus of National Mall's Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign. 🌸