Those famous pink and white flowers in Washington are expected to bloom on schedule around the capital as soon as the end of this month, the National Park Service predicts.

Horticulturalist Rob DeFeo, who keeps a close eye on the city's cherry blossom trees for the park service, said they likely will bloom from March 31 through April 11. He predicted the peak period will be April 3 to April 8 when 70 percent in full blossom.

The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to run from March 27 to April 11. This year marks the 98th anniversary of Japan's gift of the trees to the nation's capital.

- Brett Zongker, Associated Press