Friday Flowers | Lilacs

I've been enjoying the fragrance of the lilacs that took forever to bloom this year.

Soft Pink

Growing up in Massachusetts, the lilacs normally didn't bloom until late May, around my birthday, so I always thought of them as my birthday flower. Back then, the standard, "old fashioned" lilacs were widely planted - you know, those tall, towering bushes on the side of the house, laden heavy with clusters of lavender flowers. Often though, the bushes would mature and rendered themselves too large for the space they were planted in - after all, a fully grown standard lilac spans 12 feet tall with a 10 feet spread. So many a mature lilac bush ended up being replaced with something smaller.

For our current home, I knew we didn't have space for such a large bush, so I opted for a more petite, dwarf Japanese variety, Miss Kim. Their only drawback is the small size of the florets.

Delicate

But they give off that same wonderful, lush fragrance. Maybe one day, I'll have a proper spot for a standard lilac. For now, I'll enjoy the delicate blooms and fragrance that says "Spring is Here".

Wishing those in the US a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Floral Love

Catherine  – (May 24, 2013 at 6:39 AM)  

These Miss Kim lilacs are (just as) delicate and pretty Shirley! Have a wonderful long weekend and hope you enjoy(ed) your birthday... Joyeux Anniversaire :)

Anonymous –   – (May 24, 2013 at 7:20 AM)  

I've read that the older lilacs don't do well here in Virginia due to a mold that they get. They recommend the Japanese ones for our area. They aren't as pretty or nostalgic for me, but I may plant a few at some point just to have a lilac fragrance in the yard.

Denise at Autumn Sky  – (May 24, 2013 at 8:45 AM)  

It's a lovely variety, so delicate. I love our lilac bush so we planted a second one last year. And maybe next year I will plant a third. The fragrance that fills the air is just incredible. Have a nice weekend.

Nicki  – (May 24, 2013 at 11:21 AM)  

Your first shot is beyond dreamy and with the added knowledge of how magnificent they smell - aweeee!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography  – (May 24, 2013 at 12:33 PM)  

Those are beautiful. I love the tones on the first photo.

Unknown  – (May 24, 2013 at 1:14 PM)  

Hi Shirley,
I wrote a long comment and kind of went into a freeze mode. I had so much to say to you. First I am now following you. I'm happy you came to visit me..happy to know another Shirley and yes, our names are in the old fashion book of names. I'm just glad to have been named after my favorite aunt! I wont go on as I want this post to get to you. Haha! Love your photo's

Mona's Picturesque  – (May 24, 2013 at 1:38 PM)  

Oh Shirley... Makes me so happy to get to visit all Floral Love participants. Your lilacs are so wonderful! Thanks for your flowers ♥

betty-NZ  – (May 24, 2013 at 6:53 PM)  

I can almost smell them from here! Lovely little blooms, you shot them well.

Modern Mom  – (May 25, 2013 at 2:05 PM)  

Gorgeous shots. Hope you'd find time to visit my Ixora.

Nancy  – (May 26, 2013 at 1:19 PM)  

I really enjoy seeing the different varieties -- this has such a sweet little bloom.

Marcie  – (May 26, 2013 at 6:00 PM)  

So softly beautiful! Perfect for this time of year!

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