Due to the unusually mild winter and record-setting temperatures in March, the 3000 cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D. C. showed their blossoms 2-3 weeks earlier than normal in 2012.. This photo of the Jefferson Memorial was taken by Wayne Norman at sunset on March 23, 2012, when the blossoms were at their peak. This is the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of 3000 cherry trees in 1912. Twelve of the originals remain.