The journey to spring has begun, meaning excitement surrounding the returning bloom of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin and National Mall.

Peak bloom is slowly but surely growing nearer and nearer in the District. On Monday, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that the cherry trees were officially in stage one of six on their way to peak bloom.

Spurred by D.C.’s recent sunny, mild weather, the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms reached the first stage of development Tuesday. The cycle could accelerate soon.