There’s something about spring that makes us want to get outdoors and soak up all the beauty that nature has to offer. Whether it’s the sight of a blooming tree, a stroll through a beautiful garden or the smell of flowers in the air, blossoms have the ability to transport us out of our everyday routine and into a more serene, tranquil space.
In New York City, blossoms by the park can be found in many different parks and in some of our most renowned gardens. Depending on the species of tree, the blooming period can vary widely. For the most part, cherry trees will be in full bloom from late March through early April.
Okame cherries (which have tiny pink flowers with red calyxes) typically begin to bloom in mid-to-late March, followed by Yoshino cherries (white/light pink flowers), and finally Kwanzan cherry trees (fluffy pink flowers). The exact time of bloom will depend on the weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the blooming period and a rainy, windy day can bring it to an abrupt end.
A few of the more popular cherry blossom viewing areas are in the Columbian Basin in Jackson Park and in the Japanese Garden on Wooded Island. Both spots are only a short walk south of the Museum of Science and Industry and provide a beautiful view of the Columbian Basin.
The University of Washington’s Central Quad is also a popular place for students and visitors to catch some blooms. The dozens of cherry trees that line the UW campus have become a symbol of springtime in Seattle and are a staple of the city’s culture.
Picacho Peak State Park in Arizona is a great spot to see a wide variety of blooming flowers during the springtime. The rocky outcroppings of the park are covered in a stunning array of colorful wildflowers during this time of year.
Seeing these flowers is an experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family and is a must-see during the spring season. There are a number of ways to enjoy the flowering display, including hiking through the park’s many trails or enjoying the view from the scenic viewpoint along the road near the entrance to Picacho Peak.
There are also many vantage points around the park to capture breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. If you’re looking for a spot that will be a little more quiet, there are several benches throughout the park where you can sit and enjoy the flowers with your family.
You can also take in the vista from the Observation Deck of Picacho Peak. It’s one of the best places to see the entire park in bloom, and is a lovely place to enjoy a picnic under a blossoming tree.
In addition to the blossoms, Picacho Peak is also a great place to go for a hike in the springtime. The craggy rock outcroppings are covered in a beautiful array of flowers, such as lupine and brittle bush.