Sandi Polyakov News Today

Philadelphia's cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom in the coming days, about two to three weeks earlier usually for cherry tree season.

Head gardener Sandi Polyakov says the cherry blossoms evoke a poetic moment of ephemerality.

The 2022 Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival takes place April 8-10 near the Fairmount Horticulture Center in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The free event expanded to include the Sakura Concert Series, which features music exploring the connections between Japanese and African American cultures.

Horticulturists say bloom times are creeping earlier as the climate warms — possibly putting the blossoms at greater risk of frost.

It's a bit later than past years.