Lilacs
by Charlotte J. Crockett
What do you think of when you smell lilacs? Does it remind you of your
childhood? Maybe your grandmother? What ever it reminds you of, I am sure it
is a pleasant memory. I love lilacs. I wish they bloomed all summer long.
But, they only bloom in the spring. That would be the only thing I can tell
you that lilacs lack, a constant bloom. They say all good things must come to
an end. So, as summer approaches and the heat rises, lilac blooms fade along
with the spring.
Lilacs date back to the mid 1750s. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington
grew them in their gardens. Lilac bushes can live for hundreds of years, so a
bush planted at that time may still be around. That is so exceptional. Can
you imagine planting a lilac in your yard today and having your great great
grandchild admire it? I think that would be so awesome.
Everyone is familiar with common lilac, Syringa Vulgaris. It can grow to a
height of 10 feet or more. Lilacs prefer regular soil in either full sun or
light shade. It is also hardy in zones 3 - 7. To have blooms every year, cut
the old flower heads off as soon as the blossoms fade. Overgrown lilacs can
be cut to within 4 inches of the ground. Although, I personally have not had
the will power to do this to my lilacs. In three or four years they will be
flowering again. Lilacs can be propagated by digging up underground branches,
or suckers. Just replant them in another location or give a gift of it to
someone.
I highly recommend lilac if you are looking for a bush in your yard that will
not disappoint you in the spring. Lilacs do not set a fruit and the leaves do
not turn a particular pretty color in the fall. But for a brief moment in the
spring once winter has released it's grip, lilacs shine. The aroma and their
blossoms are worth waiting for.
Did you know that lilac is edible? I was amazed when I found this recipe for
lilac chicken.
Cookbook Heaven @ Kitchenlink.com - Featured Cookbook
Lilac Chicken
For further information, with pictures and descriptions of other lilacs, use
this URL:
Click here:
Lilacs: Design, Care, and Culture - GardenGateMagazine.com
For Love of Lilacs
and/or this one for more pictures:
Click here: Lilacs -
LewisRiver.com
Look at the award won by Charlotte for her gardening articles!
About the Author: Charlotte J. Crockett is a 46 year old mother of 3 children and a
grandmother of 4 boys…all under the age of 2. She has been happily married for
28 years to a wonderful man who spoils her rotten. She was born in Germany
and spent the early part of my life traveling in Europe. She is bilingual.
Besides English she also speaks, reads and writes German. Although
she is getting rusty with it. :) She is a member of the National
Gardening Association. Join her Gardening Group:Tennessee Gardens
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