SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As the warmth of spring settles in across Central New York, the landscape is beginning to transform with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Residents are witnessing the early emergence of flowers and the budding of trees, signaling the arrival of a new season. This year, April has brought a delightful array of blossoms, including violets, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, cherry blossoms, and magnolias, all of which are typically seen this time of year.
As we look forward to May, the floral display is set to expand with the blooming of roses, lilacs, peonies, bluebells, and lilies. The specific timing of these blooms can vary based on local climate conditions, but the anticipation of spring flowers is palpable.
In addition to the flowers, trees in Central New York are also beginning to leaf out. On average, this process occurs between late April and early May, with trees reaching their full green glory by Memorial Day, which falls on May 26, 2025, this year. However, the timeline for budding and blooming is heavily influenced by weather patterns, which require a mix of warm temperatures, sunshine, and rain to support growth.
Despite the beauty of spring unfolding, gardening enthusiasts are cautioned to hold off on planting until the risk of frost has passed. In Onondaga County, the average final frost date is typically the last week of April or the first week of May. To be safe, experts recommend waiting until Mother's Day, which is May 11, 2025, to plant flowers, ensuring that new plants are not damaged by late frosts.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, Chukar Cherries in Prosser, Washington, is inviting visitors to experience their stunning cherry orchards, which are currently at peak bloom. With the blossoms in full display, Chukar Cherries has organized a free driving tour for those interested in witnessing the beauty of the orchards firsthand. The tour lasts about 20 minutes and takes visitors past the original Chukar orchards, where the company began its journey over 35 years ago.
"It's about 20 minutes, it takes you past the original Chukar orchards, where Chukar Cherries was started over 35 years ago. The tour is beautiful, the blossoms are at peak right now, so it's just a chance to slow down, enjoy the beauty of our region, and then you can also make a stop here at Chukar Cherries, either before you start the tour or after, and you can taste all of the delicious cherry products that we make here," said Holly Oten, Press Manager at Chukar Cherries.
Visitors are encouraged to take part in the tour soon, as there is no guarantee how long the blossoms will last. Additionally, a cherry blossom run is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, offering another opportunity to enjoy the seasonal beauty.
In Chicago, the cherry blossoms are also making a grand return to Jackson Park for the first time in two years. The park has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, eager to take in the picturesque blooms. "Cherry trees, depending on the variety, some of them bloom for about a week, some of them bloom for two weeks," noted Jacob Burns of the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Located just south of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry along the Columbia Basin, Jackson Park has seen the number of cherry trees grow from the initial plantings in 2013 to over 190 trees today. The favorable weather conditions this year have allowed the blossoms to flourish, creating a stunning visual display for all to enjoy.
"It actually has been considered a hidden gem, I think, for the last 10 years," said Karen Szyjka, Operations Support Manager for the Chicago Park District. "This is the first time in two years the flowers are in full bloom. When the pink ones open up, the white ones are starting to open up and then we have this beautiful, staggered bloom time. It was a shame last year that we weren't able to experience the full beauty. That's a lesson that I think us Chicagoans really need to learn, which is about patience."
As the cherry blossoms bloom, park officials are also planning for the future, with an additional 20 trees set to be planted this spring and fall. "The thing about cherry trees is that their lifespan is 25 to 30 years, maybe more, that we are constantly keeping on top of replenishing them," Szyjka added. "It's something to be celebrated when we do have this full open bloom and it's about celebrating life and rebirth, which is what spring is."
Burns emphasized the importance of enjoying the blooms while they last, as their survival depends on temperatures remaining above 28 degrees Fahrenheit. "This year is pretty exciting because the last couple of years were dismal when it comes to cherry blossom. I would just encourage people to get out there and enjoy them now because you never know what next year will hold," he said.
Visitors to Jackson Park have been taking full advantage of the beautiful weather and the stunning scenery. "It's so beautiful and we need it, all of us," said Nina Kavin of Evanston, who was seen capturing the moment with her camera. "I feel like things are so rough that just coming down here just feels like a breath of fresh air. It makes me feel really just happy, which is a commodity. It's gorgeous—it kinda brings you back down to earth literally."
To celebrate the cherry blossoms, the Chicago Park District will host a cherry blossom viewing event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in partnership with cultural organizations, including the Japanese Arts Foundation. This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and appreciate the beauty of spring.
