Washington DC Cherry Trees: Who Planted Majesty

In a capital city known for its political drama, there's a touch of cultivars running through the veins of its landscape, and it's not just the lawmakers. We're talking about the regal cherry blossoms. If the cherry blossoms of Washington DC could talk, they'd tell you tales of political grandeur, diplomatic back-and-forths, and enough pomp to rival any royal coronation. But today, we’re peeling back the petals to reveal a particular tree that stands out like a royally appointed gardener on a crowded metro: The Majestic Cherry Tree of Tidal Basin. To unwrap this botanical beauty, let’s rewind to the early 20th century. It was 1912 when Japan, seeing an opportunity to strengthen ties with the US, gifted nearly 3,000 cherry trees to the city. The catch: these weren't run-of-the-mill trees. They were cherry trees, a symbol of friendship and peace to boot. But the road to cherry blossom fame wasn't as smooth as the Potomac River in a calm spell. The first batch of trees arrived in 1910, only to be found infested with pests. Yikes! The ensuing diplomatic diplomatic “whoopsie” (as fun as it was to solve) set the stage for success. Replacing those trees was a no-brainer, but ensuring their health and longevity took a bit more finesse. Now, fast-forward to the 21st century. One tree in particular, dubbed "Majiesty" (yes, you read that right), grabbed the spotlight. This isn't your average cherry blossom—a climber who had to traverse the pollen storm only to find good soil in a diagonal dazzler. You might wonder, how did Majesty get its name? According to insider (and highlight of local newspaper), Meg Van Jeuffer, who apparently is the go-to cherry tree expert. He let the cat out of the microphone: " ‘We wanted a name that reflected the grandeur of the Tidal Basin setting and the magnificence of the blooms,’ " So the official naming might still be pending—a poll is underway, undoubtedly complete with cherry puns, and a smorgasbord of options, ranging from "Cherry Pie" to "Sakura Splendor." But, until then, the tree stands tall, names and certificates aside. When spring rolls around, Majesty isn't just a tree, it's a beacon, a centerpiece posing against the arcing autumns and wind swept winters. It's a testament to the resilience and beauty that can arise from the most unexpected friendships and diplomatic back-and-forths. If you've ever wondered why DC blooms aren't just limited to the political spectrum, head to Tidal Basin, daunt not the meandering path as Tip to tip, you are serenaded by the soft petal pandas aligning. As Washington DC prepares to welcome thousands of tourists this spring, one thing is clear: Majesty, with or without a final name, will be the star of the show. So, until spring arrives with its tons of pink and white, get ready to marvel, ya ought buy a boat or at least cool packed stuff to quench that thirst sipping under the blazing sun, that’s catch!

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