March 25, 2012

Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

March 25, 2012/ Gwen Morrison

Friday, March 23 was a great day to walk around the tidal basin in Washington DC to see the cherry blossoms. The fog of the days before was gone and the rain of the weekend was yet to come. Yes - there was still a lot of haze from moisture in the air that shows in longer shots and some of the petals had already started to drift down from the trees but the drifts on the ground still retained their light pink color.

Hope you enjoy my photos! I took series at some of the monuments and a tulip garden that I’ll post over the next few days.

March 14, 2012

Brookside Gardens - March 12, 2012

March 14, 2012/ Gwen Morrison

The weather was sunny and warm this week. Brookside Gardens is brightening with some spring blooms - daffodils, crocus, cherries, deciduous magnolias and miniature iris. There were a few hyacinths but not the profusion of previous years. The tulips are not blooming yet although their leaves are growing and the display should be quite lush once they start blooming.

A pair of mallards swam on one pond and a lot of turtles were very active swimming in another - playing their springtime tag.

February 28, 2012

March Celebrations

February 28, 2012/ Gwen Morrison

March is just about here. What is there to celebrate? Here are some ideas:

St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the green. My favorite green drink is a mint chocolate milk shake but there are plenty of others. Celtic fiddle music and dancing also are popular ways to celebrate the day.

Kites. March is breezy and the temperatures getting a bit warmer make is easier to indulge in outdoor activities. March is a great month to dig out the kites from the closet and enjoy their flutters overhead. Many communities have kite festivals during March. The one in Washington DC is associated with the Cherry Blossom Festival and will be held on 3/31.

Cherry blossoms (and other flowering trees). Washington DC is celebrating 100 years of the gift from Japan this year so there are a lot of extra events from March through mid-April. The dogwoods and fruit trees will begin to bloom in many parts of the country in March … so take a walking or driving tour through an area where they grow.