Cherry Blossom Trees Begin To Bloom At Brooklyn Botanic Garden

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN -- Spring officially sprang in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Tuesday when the first Cherry Blossom tree began to bloom.

A Prunus sargentii "Fudan-zakura" entered into its first bloom along the Cherry Tree Esplanade, Brooklyn Botanic Garden officials announced on Twitter.

The Fudan zakura, which means “continuous cherry,” is a tree known in Japan for its pink buds, small white flowers and long bloom periods, garden officials said. The cherry blossom tree is one of nearly 150 planted near Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and the Cherry Esplanade.

The vibrant pink blossoms are celebrated every year at Sakura Matsuri, the BBG's annual Cherry Blossom festival, which is slated to take place on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28.

Brooklynites eager to follow the blooming trees can either go to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens (here's what you need to know) or follow them online with the garden's blossom tracker.

At least one person got excited about the news. The City reporter Rachel Holliday Smith retweeted the BBG's announcement and noted, "IT'S HAPPENING IT'S HAPPENING IT'S HAPPENING!!!"