Families return summer after summer to head to the orchards and pick tart montmorency cherries straight from the trees.It’s one of the most fun ways to get close to the source of your food and generate family traditions.As the city’s National Cherry Blossom Festival continues (and awaits the actual blooming, forecast around April 5), I thought I might trace how recent weather changes have affected the blooming dates of the Tidal Basin’s “Somei-Yoshino” cherry trees.As would be expected with the earlier springs of recent years (with the exception of the current one), more frequent early blooming dates are occurring.Later, after diplomatic sensitivities were soothed, Japan delivered a second shipment (3,020) of the prized trees, but only 1,800 of the Somei-Yoshino variety that adorn the Tidal Basin.The springtime in Japan offers some of most beautiful floral view in the world: cherry blossom trees come out in full bloom, pink and white sakura petals flit amongst ancient castles or play a romantic backdrop.So unless I’m missing something, the Japanese seem to time their cherry blossom festivities to coincide with peak blooming, whereas D. sets up a fixed date well in advance to accommodate the tourism industry. Spencer Cosby) to plant Japanese cherry trees along Washington’s Potomac waterfront. But years later, with the help of others, including First Lady Helen Taft, she would eventually succeed and the same U. Army Superintendent of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds who had previously rejected the idea, approved the purchase in 1909.On January 6, 1910, however, when Japan’s shipment arrived, there was a major setback, as the trees were infested with insects and nematodes, forcing President Taft to burn the entire stock.

Some of the biggest names in the county, such as Seaquist, Lautenbach and Zettel, got their start with a modest grove of cherry trees.

If you’re not one for the low-hanging fruit, there are stools placed around the orchard to help you or your children find the biggest and brightest cherry anywhere on the tree.

*Visit the Wisconsin Red Cherry Growers Facebook page for updates on Door County cherry picking.

Having over 1,000 cherry trees inside, Shinjuku Gyoen is coated in soft pink during the cherry season.

However, the downside with a popular spot is always the crowd…