In case you needed any further proof that this winter is, indeed, unseasonably warm: cherry trees in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are in flower. The trees normally bloom fully and fantastically during the rite of spring known as Hanami (this year's viewing season is anticipated to run from April 7th to May 6th), and then again, with fewer flowers and less fanfare, in November.

Bizarre timing and mental anguish aside, the trees are an aesthetic treat. From the New York Times:

"…a tree at the northeast corner of the Japanese garden pond, crowned with thousands of delicate flowers, catches the afternoon sun and flings it back out in a cloud of silvery pink."

Fear not--this early and entirely unique bloom won't effect the brilliant blossoms of spring. The question seems to be, will we find a winter somewhere between here and there?

Of course, it'd be follly to imply that climate change is solely responsible for this inordinately early bloom of the cherry blossoms. El Nino is certainly a factor. North Atlantic Oscillation may well be contributing to this wierd, warm winter. But it warrants mentioning that this bloom is historically unique.

On the plus side: the BBG offers complementary admission on weekdays until February 28th, so this could be your only chance to experience the cherry blossoms for free.

Official BBG announcement here.

Photo by Kate Blumm: Prunus 'Fudan-Zakura.' Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden