Nice Now, But Don't Plant Too Early

I was down by the Tidal Basin a little earlier (Wednesday Morning 3/28/07), and I noticed that the Cherry trees were starting to bloom. I'm guessing that they'll peak in about a week. The National Park Service chief Horticulturist Robert DeFeo has a peak blooming period of April 3-5.

http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/national-cherry-blossom-page.htm is the National Park Service's Cherry Blossom page. Lots of goof stuff here.


























I know that it has been warm lately, but don't think it can stay this way. Some of our long range computer models are indicating a major chill headinig this way in a little over a week. This map is from the 12Z run of the GFS model and is valid for April 5th at 8 PM. If this verifies, we'll see highs in the low to mid 40s with lows down in the 20s. I would expect snow showers in western Maryalnd also. I think it's still OK to plant hardy trees and bushes, but for tender plants and flowers, it's best to wait until around May 1st.