Park Service predicts Washington cherry-blossom bloom

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The National Park Service is hinting at when spring will arrive in Washington, D.C.

National Park Service Chief Horticulturalist Rob DeFeo announced Thursday that the cherry blossoms will be in bloom from March 31 through April 11. He is predicting the peak bloom period will be April 3 through 8.

The 2010 festival is scheduled to run from March 27 to April 11.

This year marks the 98th anniversary of Japan’s gift of the cherry trees to the nation’s capital.

DeFeo says minor damage from the heavy snow last month should not affect the trees. He says arborists have been mitigating damage from storms and visitors for years.

-- Associated Press