Cherry Blossoms Should Peak in Two Weeks

With a little taste of Spring over the weekend, the season will be in full bloom soon.

There are many places within a short drive of Herndon to check out some beautiful spring cherry blossoms. If all the talk of spring flowers is making you want to get your hands in the dirt, check out these tree and shrub care tips from Herndon's Meadows Farms Nursery. 

If you are planning a trip to DC to see the cherry blossoms, mark your calendars for March 26-30. That's when organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival say the signature blooms will be in full blossom at the Tidal Basin.

The official start of the festival is March 20. It will run until April 14.

The cherry blossom trees were a gift from Japan 100 years ago in 1912 and continue to be a top attraction for tourists and residents alike. You can access more into from the National Cherry Blossom Festival by downloading their App to your smartphone.

Fairfax County residents may want to take a look at options beyond the crowded Tidal Basin. If you want to see what Northern Virginia has to offer in celebration of horticulture, take some time to visit the locations described below.

Garden Tours and Cherry Blossom Events

River Farm: 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Va. 22308 
A former estate located on 25 acres of gardens and lawns alongside the Potomac River south of Alexandria, River Farm serves as the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It is also open to the public for various community events, children's programs, weddings and special occasions, as well as general visits. Admission is free. (Be sure to call ahead: (703) 768-5700; the AHS Web site says River Farm is open beginning in "early April.")

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Va. 22182
More than 100 cherry trees surround the 95-acre complex which also includes a garden with seasonal blooms. Part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, there is an admission fee to enter Meadowlark, which you can check here, although children under age 6 are admitted free. Admission to the park closes at 5:30 p.m. during March, 6:30 p.m. in April. A special tip from the garden: Check out the daffodils near the Woods Gazebo and Lake Carolyn irises and cherry trees.

Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 22312
Green Spring Gardens offers an array of trees, plants and flowers that were donated to Fairfax County in 1970 by the Straight family, who purchased the land in 1942.

Workhouse Arts Center: 9601 Ox Rd., Lorton, Va. 22079 
Workhouse is presenting Asian Art and Culture Day to coincide with this year's National Cherry Blossom Festival. The third annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 and will include demonstrations, performances, participatory workshops, presentations and exhibits featuring Asian art and culture. The event is free. 

What are your favorite places to see spring in bloom in Herndon? Tell us in the comments.