Rain, sleet, and gusts that could whisk away an umbrella – and just when we thought we’d seen it all, an earthquake gives our beloved sakura a jolt! Not to be outdone, the skies grace us with a near-total eclipse this Monday.
Cherry blossoms, the darlings of spring, are as resilient as a robust espresso. In the 13 years of chronicling Wooster Square’s floral ballet, we’ve witnessed nature’s full repertoire.
Yet, 2024 has thrown us a celestial curveball with an eclipse and an earthquake in quick succession. And through it all, not a single bud was lost – a testament to their tenacity. This morning’s inspection confirmed it, despite the biting cold that could make a penguin shiver.
This chill mirrors the post-peak nights in Washington D.C., where such temperatures extended the blossoms’ stay to nearly two weeks – the second-longest duration on record.
So, when will our blossoms unfurl their full glory? If the weather were a smidge warmer, we’d be basking in peak bloom this weekend. But nature has its schedule, and it seems the middle of next week is more likely, all things considered.
As I pore over and edit the photos, immerse yourself in these 10 little-known facts about cherry blossoms, freshly unearthed by the Blossom Blog mainframe:
"Hello, cherished readers of the Wooster Square Blossom Blog!
As the cherry blossoms prepare to stage their annual spectacle, I’m here to share not just the unfolding beauty but the whispers and secrets that each petal carries. These blossoms, our delicate heralds of spring, are more than just a feast for the eyes; they’re a symphony for the soul, a reminder of life’s fleeting dance.
And now, for the connoisseurs of the cherry blossoms, here are 10 facts that might surprise even the most devoted enthusiasts:
Historical Gift Exchange: A heartfelt gift of 2,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to the United States was destroyed in 1910 due to infestation, but a successful second gift has since flourished.
Maryland’s First Blossoms: The first cherry trees in the U.S. took root in Maryland, thanks to Dr. David Fairchild’s import of 75 trees in 19061.
Symbol of Renewal: Revered in Japan as Sakura, cherry blossoms represent the beauty and brevity of life, celebrated with the tradition of Hanami.
Surprising Capital: Macon, Georgia, claims the title of “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World” with over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees.
Ephemeral Beauty: The blossoms’ peak, when 70% are open, is a transient glory, typically lasting just one to two weeks.
Tourist Attraction: Over 1.5 million people would flock to Washington D.C. each year pre-pandemic to witness the cherry blossoms.
Protected Petals: In D.C., picking cherry blossoms is illegal and considered vandalism of federal property.
Edible Blossoms: Cherry blossoms aren’t just pretty; they’re also edible and can be used in various culinary delights.
A Thousand-Year Bloom: Japan is home to the oldest cherry blossom tree, which is over 1,000 years old.
Blossom Diversity: There are about 400 types of cherry trees, some with flowers that boast nearly a hundred petals.
A special thanks to our Sponsor:
Cheryl Szczarba, Realtor
Seabury Hill Realtors
233 Wooster Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-996-8328
Call or text Cheryl for the Spring market! Cheryl has been turning clients into friends and neighbors for over 20 years!
See you on Wooster Street
or
See you round the Square!
Enjoy!
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