Dogwood Blooms Spotted in 2600 Block of Jefferson

While the majority of Dogwood trees in Paducah have buds that are "about" to open, Saturday afternoon blooms were spotted in the 2600 block of Jefferson. The older tree has several dead limbs, but those living have blooms.

Typically Paducah's annual Dogwood Trail opens mid-April when the trees' blooms are fully open. This year's warm winter appeared to prompt early blooming, but the cold temperatures last week slowed the process. The return to warmer days and nights is encouraging the buds to let go and open. If warm weather continues, the blooms will be visible across the city in the week to come.

When the blooms open, citizen are encouraged to light up and welcome the community and visitors to drive, walk or bike the trail to enjoy the beauty of spring in Paducah.

2017 Dogwood Chairman and Civic Beautification President Carol VanderBoegh said, "Each year it's a guessing game - all depending on the weather. So we'll wait until we have as many warm days and nights as it takes to force the buds to open. We're 'guessing' early April. The City has installed all the Dogwood Trail signs so we are ready as far as marking the route. It's the same as last year. Specific dates for judging, presenting awards, trolley tours, bike ride, etc. will all be announced soon. This year we are awarding $50 to each 'lighted' dogwood winner. We want to encourage our community to 'light up' and plant more dogwoods for future generations."

The Civic Beautification Board and members of El Arbol and Four Seasons Garden Clubs are going door to door to remind all the homes and businesses on the trail to "Light their trees, flags and flowers."

This year's Dogwood Art & Photography Contest entries may be delivered to the Paducah School of Art & Design March 27 - 30 between 10 am and 5 pm. Judging will be March 31. All entries will be on exhibit at Paducah City Hall April through June.

If you have questions or to get details about the contest, call 270-556-6510 or email: cavanderboegh@aol.com. The contest is sponsored by the CBB and coordinated and judged by PSAD.