Cherry blossoms 2014: Before and after

The cherry blossoms have reached peak bloom in Washington, another sign that a chilly winter has come to an end. Winter blanketed the region with snow on numerous occasions, bringing 30.3 inches to city during the season.

On the left, bare cherry trees are seen along the Tidal Basin on March 4 during a snowstorm, the same day the National Park Service released its projections for peak blossoms. On the right, the cherry blossoms are seen April 11 during peak bloom. The average peak bloom date from 1992 through 2013 was March 31, but the historical average peak bloom date is April 4. (Photos by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)