After a long winter, spring is here, marking the start of a new growing season.
While some areas still wait to see pale green shoots emerge from the ground, or buds begin to open, other parts of the U.S. already are celebrating the rebirth of new life.
Different parts of the country celebrate their famous local blooms each spring. It's time to see what's blooming big near you this spring.
Thanks to the U.S.'s large range of climate zones, many different plants can grow. Regional differences in climate allow for a wide variety of annuals and perennials to flourish better in some parts of the country than others.
Here's what the Northeast is famous for during the spring.
What better way to welcome spring than with the mayflower... and no, we're not taking about the ship that brought the Pilgrims over to the New World over 400 years ago.
This small but fragrant perennial blooms most abundantly during the month of May, hence its name. Yet, you can still find these fragile pink and white flowers blooming anytime between the months of March and July.
Because of its delicacy, this state flower is becoming harder and harder to find in the wild. However, those living in Worcester could seek this small but fragrant flower at Green Hill Park between the months of March and July.
Just remember not to pick them. It's against the Massachusetts State Law to do so. Those who violate it will face fines if caught.
For those seeking a bigger event centered around the blooms that signify the start of spring, head over to Massachusetts' Nantucket Island for the annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival during the last weekend of April.
Visitors seeking a weekend getaway during the last weekend of April can enjoy the one million bulbs that were donated and planted along the island's community pathways and roads.
You can also take part in the variety of events that take place as well, including the Daffodil Flower Shower, sponsored by the Nantucket Garden Club.
Or, for those into vintage cars, you can watch the Antique Car Parade, where you'll see classic models decked out in daffodils. Afterwards, you are more than welcome to join the tailgate picnic following the parade.
Traveling north up the Hudson River, one can tip-toe through the tulips in Albany. Each year, the New York State capital celebrates this beloved spring flower in honor of the city's Dutch heritage at the Albany Tulip Festival.
Prior to painting a colorful display all throughout Washington Park during the month of May, it's important to know that these tulips aren't just any tulips. The more than 100,000 bulbs that are planted in the park during the fall come from the Netherlands.
Along with the wide variety of tulips to photograph, family and friends alike can also enjoy the other vendors, entertainers and delicious eats at the festival, which usually kicks off on Mother's Day weekend.
Can't make it to the festival itself? Don't worry. Those living in and around the Capital Region can still watch the tulips grow and evolve before and after the event.
In love with lilacs? Rochester is the place to be during the mid to late spring. The lilacs have become iconic in the city, and Rochester's famed Lilac Festival is held each spring during the month of May.
These hardy, purple perennials prefer cold winters and warm springs, making Rochester a suitable location for them to thrive. For over a century, the city’s infamous lilacs have drawn in large crowds, eager to see the blooms and take part in the festival events surrounding them.
Highland Park is home to the largest collection of lilacs in the country, all ranging in different hues from vibrant purples and pinks to white.
For those captivated by their aroma, head over to the park during the early morning and early evening hours, when the new blooms are most fragrant.
Of course, if taking a stroll among the lilacs itself isn’t enough, visitors can still enjoy all the events and entertainment, celebrating the blooms at the annual Lilac Festival.
With the average peak bloom date on May 13, this year’s festival will take place during the first three weekends of May (May 6 to 8, May 12 to 15 and May 19 to 22). Click here for more information about the Lilac Festival.
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