Washington DC Cherry Blossoms and Contest Winners

By Skeeter

We left our Georgia Garden to spend Easter with the Saints family in Virginia. While there, we jumped on the Metro and headed for our Nations Capitol to see the Cherry Blossoms in their full glory. Once above ground, we spotted this patch of bright tulips.
The Cherry Blossom Festival attracts lots of visitors to Washington DC and especially around the Tidal Basin of the Jefferson Memorial. To see a beautiful Japanese Lady in traditional attire, was a special treat.
The Blossoms on some of the Cherry Trees looked like pure snow!
While other Cherry Tree Blossoms were of pink colors.
They were spectacular to say the least.
Each tree was filled with busting blossoms.
The abnormal high temperatures (mid 80's) had the leaves coming out along with the blossoms on some trees!
Damage from the massive snow fall in February could be seen on some of the trees.
Tree caretakers had to remove some of the branches.
Limbs are never cut for low hanging, only when damaged. Be cautious when walking under the trees or one will get your noggin.
This Elm was knocked over due to the big snow storm as well. I had to chuckle as it was an elm that we lost as well during our freak snow fall.
Although, our elm was not nearly as old as this fella.
Here you can see a good example of the different colors of blossoms.
It was a beautiful day for our stroll around the Tidal Basin and a challenge to snap pictures without people in the view. Can you see all the people sitting on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial?
The trees were absolutely glowing with color.
I wonder what Jefferson is thinking as he looks out upon this surrounding beauty?
Ah, the Mallard Ducks were not bothered by hoards of people strolling past them.
Saucer Magnolia, Forsythia and Cherry Trees all blooming together with playing children.
Such beauty to the eyes!
I was captivated as to how full the blooms were on the branches.
Memorials look so much nicer being framed by the Blossoms.
Look at this poor tree barely hanging onto life. If only trees could talk, I am sure this one would have a wonderful story to tell...
Walking from the Tidal Basin, I spotted this area I found interesting. Trees protected from construction. They must be famous to be protected behind a locked fence!
This is almost too pretty to be nothing more then weeds in our gardens!
This grouping of trees had us in awe with their beauty. We did not know what type tree until the next picture.


I recognised this pod as a Sycamore pod. I would rate them right up there with pesky Sweet Gum Trees and their nasty pods. I still think these Sycamore trees are pretty, well, cause they are not in my yard.
The Saint and I were a bit ahead of our gang so we stopped to let them catch up. As we stood there, I had this stinky scent overcome my nose. I turned around to see this bush.
Beautiful blooms....

And beautiful foliage but a scent that smelled like something rotting. Anyone know what this bush could be as it was a puzzle to us?
It was a most beautiful and pleasant day to spend in our Nations Capitol. So nice to see all the happy people flying kites, picnicking, resting and enjoying such a wonderful time. It was nice to get to see the WASHINGTON DC CHERRY BLOSSOMS, In the Garden....

Note: A special thank you to the Saint's sister for arranging our DC trip and providing a great lunch!
****
Winners of my Blogiversary Give-away.
Names were printed, cut into strips, folded and placed in the Saints Magic Hat. Hand when in and out came the names!
Drum roll please..........
The winners are:

ROSES AND LILACS
&
RANDY EMMITT...

Marnie and Randy, send Tina an email ramseytina5@gmail.com with your addresses so I can get your prizes in the mail.....

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team,

In the Garden