Mild Weather Makes For Early Cherry Blossoms
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Cherry blossoms are the centerpiece of the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, but the mild weather is causing some varieties of the buds to bloom a little early.
"These aren't even breaking bud; this is full bloom," says Parks & Recreation Manager Lori Hayes, who adds that cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March or early April.
"They have a whole lot of different names. There's Akebono, Takesimensis, all kinds of cultivar names. But every thing seems to be three to four weeks earlier this year in flowers."
Hayes says don't be surprised if you see the pink and white flowers over the next few days.
"I think we'll see continued beauty and buds breaking."
Tom, who lives in South Philadelphia, says he loves the blossoms so much that he planted some in his yard.
"You get a week of warm weather sometimes, a few days, and the buds open up."
Tom also says he'll be keeping his eyes on the blossoms over the next few days.
