Come see the lilacs blooming at my farm - are yours blooming? Please leave a comment and let me know
Who doesn’t love the fragrance of lilacs? Incredibly sturdy and undemanding, lilacs are so much a part of our landscape that they’re considered American classics. However, it was the early Dutch and French settlers who brought them here. Already well established in Europe, lilacs sailed into the New World by ship and later, they traversed the land by covered wagon. In fact, one of the earliest plantings still flourishing today was planted in Mackinac Island, Michigan around 1650. Despite their hardy nature, most lilacs can’t tolerate the Deep South or desert regions since they require a cold period in order to flower.
There are many varieties of lilacs and by planting an assortment, bloom time will be staggered and can last for up to two months. Just be sure to plant lilacs in full sun, which is necessary for good blooming. The soil should be rich, and well-drained, and fairly neutral in pH. Improper pruning also affects blooming. If you cut bouquets of lilacs when they’re in bloom, you’ve pruned the tree correctly. Then remove any remaining flowers from the tree just as they fade. And never prune after July 4th because at that point, the tree has already begun to set next year’s flower buds.
This is my very fragrant lilac garden
I planted this allee of lilac just a couple of years ago. There
are many different varieties. My tennis court is in the rear.
lilac color
white
purple
pink
pale pink
a beautiful double lilac
Oh, how lovely! Oddly enough, my own lilacs just a few miles away in Chappaqua are already passing out of bloom...I must have all the same variety of early-season bloomers (they are about 50 years old, put in by the former owners of the house).
Thank you for sharing your lilacs; they definitely make me appreciate the ones in my own garden!
Posted by: Cynthia S | May 19th, 2008 at 12:14 am
While I'm not lucky enough to have lilacs of my own to enjoy, there are several in bloom here in the city of Seattle. In fact on my walk today I noticed a couple turning brown already!
Posted by: Casey | May 19th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Ahhhhh!
Simply Beautiful!
Happy Spring!!!
Posted by: Renee | May 19th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Yes!!........Mine are blooming here near Seattle as well! Just gorgeous and smell great!
Posted by: Lisa | May 19th, 2008 at 12:44 am
The lilacs are beautiful! It's a shame that they don't grow well in the south. It seems that I have heard of a variety that can be grown in my zone, however, I don't have room for any more shrubs in the garden! Your gardens are so lovely. Good luck this year in the gardens. Hope you get the right mix of sunshine and rain for everything to prosper!
Posted by: Frances Jackson | May 19th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Yes!!........Mine are blooming here near Seattle as well! Just gorgeous and smell great!
Posted by: Lisa | May 19th, 2008 at 12:49 am
My lilacs are fading already and I just finished pruning yesterday. I've been nursing them back to a healthy bloom for several years now and this year was their best showing yet. Yours are absolutely beautiful, thanks for sharing. I love lilac time and just did my own post last week. I am thoroughly enjoying your blog!
Posted by: jeny Martin | May 19th, 2008 at 1:05 am
I will never forget my first trip to New York City in 1984. It was in the month of May. I was walking down one of the streets and came across a florist shop. The windows were filled with pink peonies and purple lilacs. I purchased several bunches, came back to my hotel room and filled every water glass in the room. Since I lived on th West Coast, I had never seen such beautiful flowers. That memory will be with me forever. Thank you for sharing the lovely photographs.
Posted by: Evelyn Ackbarali | May 19th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I Martha,
I love the lilac color because I sow it in the garden of my mother.
Ciao,
Silvia
Posted by: Silvia | May 19th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Yes, here in Denmark the lilacs are blooming too. One of the best parts of spring.
Posted by: Anne | May 19th, 2008 at 2:15 am
I just spent the evening making lilac bouquets - for the dining room, my bedroom, one for my mother and for our new neighbors. I'm especially loving my dark purple lilac that because I have pruned it religiously always has lovely long straight stems on the blooms. I like to mix them with the paler lavender lilac in a bouquet. I have a double white, planted last year that I'm anxious to see. This year's new shrub ( a gift from my church) has a bloom that is dark purple with white edges.
I loved seeing your lilac garden photos, Martha! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Pamela Regentin | May 19th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Heaven. What beautiful photographs - I adore lilacs and can practically smell them through the blog!!
Is it possible to update the blog with the name of the different varieties? You are such an inspiration and when I see something I love - I want to order myself!!
Love the allee! I like the way you are massing things together now - all your peonies together, lilacs together, etc... it's a dramatic showing!
Love you Martha!
Posted by: Stephanie | May 19th, 2008 at 3:19 am
I love lilacs. My Swedish grandmother planted and tended to lilacs in her garden. They always smelled heavenly.
Posted by: Isle Dance | May 19th, 2008 at 4:04 am
I come from Norway, and where I live our lilacs have yet to bloom. We're looking very much forwards to them doing so though, since we have 2 great, big bushes of lilacs in our front yard
Posted by: Silje | May 19th, 2008 at 4:27 am
My favorite color is the lilac color. How beautiful. Will they grow and do okay in southern middle Tennessee? I sure would like them in my yard. Your allee of lilacs is so lovely. Call me and I'll play a round of tennis with you as long as we enter the court by way of the lilac allee. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | May 19th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Beautiful garden Martha. I live close to Rochester NY, home of the Lilac festival, which just ended. Your stunning collection of Lilac's must smell wonderful. My personal collection is of White double flowering lilac's. However, I hope to add the darker purple and some pink. Thanks for sharing your garend with us.
Posted by: Robinmhealy | May 19th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Martha,
Lilacs always remind me of home! When I was little, I constantly filled my parents house with bouquets of Lilacs and Viburnum from the many bushes my grandfather had started. Now whenever I smell either, it brings back sweet memories!
Posted by: Shannon | May 19th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Yes! The lilacs in my backyard are blooming at last -- we have one lilac-colored and one white tree. Spring finally made it to Seattle!
Posted by: Rachel | May 19th, 2008 at 6:56 am
We were blessed to have 2 lilac bushes at our home we purchased last year. When we bought it I had no idea what they were until I watched your show on them last year. They are my daughter's favorite bush in our yard.
Posted by: Donna | May 19th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Hi, Martha,
Your allee of lilacs if beautiful. I can almost smell the fragrance wafting on the air. Seeing your beautiful blooms reminds me of the dark purple variety I planted at home; my Mom loved the smell. My sister has the lighter purple lilac, and it has grown quite large.
Thanks for the beautiful photos of your flower-filled allee and for the memories!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | May 19th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Your photos really show what a color variety lilacs have. I have three Korean lilacs that are just getting flowers on them. We've had a cold Spring here in WI. My Japanese tree lilac hasn't bloomed for two years and I don't know why. The tree looks healthy enough. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Posted by: Becky from Wisconsin | May 19th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! I wish I had scratch n' sniff on my computer screen!
Posted by: Heidi | May 19th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Dear Martha,
You are blessed!!!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful and breathtaking photos of your Lilacs.
God Bless
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | May 19th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Our lilacs here in Missouri have come and gone. I honeymooned in Mackinac Island during the lilac festival in 2004. I swooned the entire time!
Posted by: Amy T. | May 19th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Beautiful to see! Ours here in Nova Scotia are just about to 'pop". Lilacs are one of my favorites for their delicious fragrance, and early spring colour, but also because my mother has always had a huge one in her backyard, so when I bought my own home, it was the first thing I planted.
Posted by: Susan | May 19th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Thank you for sharing your pictures. The flowers are so beautiful. They make me smile and feel very peaceful.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | May 19th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Yes, indeed!! My lilacs burst just a few days ago. The house smells of lilacs, both from the filled vased strewn about as well as the open windows.
Posted by: so NOT cool | May 19th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I don't think I've ever seen a lilac bush/tree although I am from Michigan. Maybe I just didn't know what they were except pretty flowers. Well, they are beautiful and so is your allee. If I lived where you live, I would never leave! Now, how about some pictures of you playing tennis! How great that you have your own tennis court! Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 19th, 2008 at 9:50 am
They are so beautiful! I miss lilacs so much, I used to live in N.J. and enjoyed them every year. Now I live in Fl. and we don't have lilacs , we have crapemertle, and they are not the same !!!
Posted by: shirley maurer | May 19th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Yes, my lilacs are blooming here in Maine.
Posted by: Jean Davis | May 19th, 2008 at 10:32 am
LOVE the lilacs! I have one lilac that my husband gave me for Mother's Day several years ago, and it has never bloomed. Someone told me I needed two to make that happen. I'm thinking it just might bloom w/o two and that maybe the deer have been nibbling off the buds. After seeing yours, I think I'd like to plant another one. Yours are absolutely lovely!
Posted by: Deb | May 19th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Wow! They're beautiful!! I can't begin to imagine how wonderful it must smell there now. I know where I would be picnicking for lunch!
Unfortunately, I don't have any around now, but when I was growing up, my father would always have a lilac outside my window. Even when we moved, he planted lilacs outside my window. To this day, when I smell lilacs, I think of his love for me.
Posted by: JulieAnn | May 19th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Here in Canada (prairie region) our weather is a wee bit cooler!! We will have to wait another couple of weeks to see our lilacs bloom and enjoy their wonderful fragrance.
Yours look just beautiful.
Posted by: Maureen | May 19th, 2008 at 10:51 am
What beautiful pictures! Most have my lilacs have come and gone here in Cincinnati. They were wonderful while they lasted.
Posted by: Sarah S | May 19th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Hi Martha,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful lilacs with us. My bush's are now at their peak also. I live near Rochester Lilac Festival which has just ended. Thanks for the tip about pruning before July 4th.
Posted by: joan vogt | May 19th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Martha,
My family has descended from William Brewster who was an elder on the Mayflower and who has been credited with bringing the lilac to America. So the year you have listed is a little off. Lilacs are truly beautiful to look at but their strong fragrance is hard for us allergy sufferers.
P.S. An old Irish friend of mine always told me that it is bad luck to bring Lilacs into your home. Have you heard of this old Irish wives tale?????
Posted by: Shoshanna | May 19th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I think I can smell them through the computer!
Posted by: joseph | May 19th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Martha,
They're blooming here in CT too! I have many colors on my property. I would love to pinpoint a favorite color dark purple, white, hmmm....the pale pink are gorgeous! (I have one but nursing it back after it got hit by lightening!) Put a whole bunch on the table and the scent smelled the whole kitchen! Remember to cut into the stem vertically (right down the middle) to prevent drooping.
Love your allee..great idea to put many lilacs in a row.
You had a variety named after you Martha? Is it still available??
As always a beautiful post(blog) of your gardens!
Love you!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. | May 19th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
At the end of a busy planting day yesterday...i rewarded myself by picking a large bouquet of lilacs from my garden. My Ludwig Spaeth is very abundant as is our French White one. So armed with these as well as the lavender color of our common lilac i am enjoying the fragrance as well as the charming colors.
The Palibin is about to bloom but sadly the Beauty of Moscow has not bloomed this Spring. I prune carefully but perhaps i pruned it at the wrong time.
I have a wonderful book entitled LILACS for the garden by Jennifer Bennett and it has given me a wealth of information re growing lilacs.
Enjoy your lilacs Martha! You will have many many wonderful bouquets. Now wouldn't i love all the space you have so i could grow even more of them!
Posted by: Sherey | May 19th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
A great lilac garden is in Woodland Wa, the Hulda Klager garden. Maybe your producers would be interested in the variety and history visited it many times. I never discovered Lilacs until I lived in the Pac NW. I think they remind me of Easter with the beauty that burst forth from the twisted wood. Your garden is so wonderful, you are a great teacher, not to hog lines but I was so impressed with the cupcakes featured on your show i did my son's graduation in cupcakes over the weekend. They were so well received! What fun. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Robin Ball | May 19th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
These are gorgeous! They make me want to get out my paints even though the weather here is dismal. Cheers to you, Cassandra
Posted by: Cassandra Russell | May 19th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Martha, what beautiful pictures and plants. Unfortantly here in Arizona, which was 104 yesterday, these would not grow as beautiful. I just planted a Thompson Seedless Grape plant. I would love to see your grape plants and learn more on how to care for them.
Posted by: MARY SIRLS | May 19th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Hi Martha, Your lilacs are absolutely gorgeous. I love all of the different colored lilac bushes that you have. Mine are the same color as the third photo in your blog. I only have two, but they have been blooming for more than 38 years and are still going strong. I gave some small "suckers" to a neighbor a couple of years ago and they are in full bloom this year. Very hardy plants. Our heatwave lasted only 3 days and now we are back to our usual grey skies here in the Seattle area. Have a great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 19th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Oh Martha...your lilacs are so beautiful...I can smell them from here!
I can't bring them in my house because hubby sneezes and wheezes. Maybe I could put a mask over his nose!
Have a great day!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | May 19th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I watched my two little girls (4&7) pick bunches off of a very little yet hearty lilac bush at the back of our yard. They both came running in and found mason jars to hold their precious boquets. When I saw what they created I couldn't help but think that all of the time they have spent watching Martha with me has paid off. Who said TV is bad for children. Thank you Martha for inspiring the little ones as well!!!
Posted by: Kym Kinsley | May 19th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
You sure have a beauitfull aray of lilac on your farm thanks for shareing and here in Ukraine the lilacs are almost done blooming I have had a bouque in my kitchen for the past 3 weeks love them and sad there done for another year.
Posted by: Laurie Ivanchuk{Ukraine} | May 19th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Here in Ann Arbor the lilacs are full bloom - absolutely gorgeous!
Martha - thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: The Bitter Foodie | May 19th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Lilacs are so gorgeous and they smell so wonderful! Beautiful photos. Ours up here in the interior of BC are just budding. (in the past week or two) I can't wait. The season is too short. I too suffer from allergies with them, but I enjoy them outdoors.
Posted by: Shirly | May 19th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Dear Martha,
What beautiful lilacs you have! I must tell you how envious I am!!
We had a bad storm here 2 years ago and caused us to cut back our beautiful lilacs almost to the ground. Thankfully they are making their way back, but still have a few more years until they hit their magnificent glory again!
Seeing your gorgeous lilacs remind me of a trip we took one June not too long ago. We traveled to Mackinac Island where the whole island was absolutely STREWN with lilacs. No cars are allowed on the island, so travel is either by foot, bike or horse drawn carriages. I can't tell you what a magnificent treat it is to travel over most of that lovely little island with lilacs blooming at every turn! Must be what heaven is like!
Best wishes and continued success for a beautiful garden -- as well as a beautiful life!
Posted by: Debbie | May 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I have been meaning to write you about mine, which I recieved as a birthday gift 4 years ago. The bushes are beautifully healthy and green but I can not get them to bloom at all. There were a few blossoms the first year but since then-nothing. They get at least 5 hours of full sun. Any suggestions?
Many thanks for all you do,
Jackie Lamothe
Posted by: Jackie Lamothe | May 19th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
So beautiful! Here in Finland, Europe we still have to wait for lilacs for couple of weeks. It's still too cold for them.
Posted by: silja | May 19th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Yours are bigger than mine! Mine are not in bloom...yet! (I only have one potful.) I live in So Cal, and I have a variety that is for Zones 9-10. I live on a hill (near Mulholland Dr.) and normally, I get a sparse but beautiful blooming period this time of year. I'll feed it some Super Bloom this weekend!
Posted by: Hooligan | May 19th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I just wanted to share my lilac story with you.
In 1952, my parents drove us to Alaska, over the very rough, unpaved Alaska Highway to the mission where my dad would serve for the next 18 years. Outside the manse (pastor's house) grew two huge lilac bushes. I absolutely loved the color and scent of the lilacs. It was amazing that those delicate flowers would grow in that cold place! Every spring (when it finally came) I would take a few of the first blooms in to my mother.
Years later, my folks moved to Oregon, and eventually, I moved to the same town to be near them. When my husband and I bought a home, we found, after clearing off a collapsed patio roof, that there was the same kind of lilac bush that was by my house in Alaska. I was thrilled!! I continued my lilac gifts to my mom until her death in 1994. Now I look at the lilacs ( I planted several more bushes) and think of her and smile.
Your beautiful lilacs brought back the memories.
A fan
Carol
Posted by: Carol Iverson | May 19th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Martha, I am speechless! They are amazing! Just the other day I was talking to my husband that one thing I want to have in the backyard is lilac! I love it...it reminds me so much of when I was a kid in my home country.
Thank you very much for sharing with us!!!
Posted by: Tandoori | May 19th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Hi Martha
How wonderful are lilacs? I had two lilacs here in Vermont called "Beauty of Moscow" and they were magnificent. Pink pearl buds that opened to cream with the most heavenly perfume! I highly recommend them! Enjoy your lilacs! And thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Susan | May 19th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Wow, those are so beautiful! I have one small lilac bush. Ours bloom early here in California (in March). I was able to find a variety that does well in California even though we don't have the cold winters.
It's amazing how different the growing seasons are across the country. You have lilacs just blooming and my hydrangeas are starting to bloom.
Posted by: cindy~my romantic home | May 19th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Well, I live in "The Lilac City", Spokane, WA, so all around the city you get the wonderful (and somewhat overpowering) scent of lilac when you are outdoors. I recently planted a border of lilac bushes in my front yard, but they are quite small, so I don't expect blooms for another couple of years. I can't wait, though! =D
Posted by: Angela | May 19th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
My lilacs (here in Spokane, Washington)started blooming yesterday... they are heavenly!
Angela
Posted by: Angela Willis | May 19th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Beautiful. Makes me want to get some too. My hydrangeas are blooming - a similar blue/purple color. I wonder if lilacs can grow in partial shade?
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | May 19th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
The lilacs remind me of the May Crownings we had when I was a kid...they were also my Mother's favorite...
Posted by: Karen | May 19th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Dear Martha, your lilacs are beautiful. I have one medium size lilac bush here in northeast Ohio, it is a challenge to keep my lilacs and peonies thriving in this cold nook. I baby them with extra water, fertilizer and covering them on frosty nights when they are ready to bloom. Love your blog! janet
Posted by: janet | May 19th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Here is Colorado the lilacs are in full bloom. It is really the one time of year we have much color, so they are especially appreciated.
Posted by: Beth Longtine | May 19th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I have some lilacs with very old looking wood and bark. I want to cut them properly, but really dont know how to. They are really too tall to enjoy, but I can still reach some of the flowers and do cut them and bring them in. I will check your website for some lilac tips. Thanks for the wonderful blog.
Posted by: carol | May 19th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Love your Lilacs. Here in ND we barely have any leaves on the trees yet, so we are still looking forward to ours. I love the deep purple ones best. Enjoy their sweetness for me.
I have never heard you mention a tennis court before, and wondered if that could be seen from the helicopter pictures. Love the Food network simple meals you are sharing this week. Kathy H
Posted by: Kathy H. | May 19th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for sharing Martha, they are beautiful! I can almost smell them all the way to Las Vegas.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Marlene | May 19th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Lilacs always remind me of my Great Aunt who lived on an old farm. She had lilac bushes against a long fence. Although they are beautiful... the smell drives me insane. But they are beautifull.
Posted by: Angie D | May 19th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Hi Martha,
I am in Alberta, Canada and my lilacs have not bloomed yet. I am really looking forward to seeing them
Posted by: Rose | May 19th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Oh, yes, the lilacs here in the Adirondacks are filling the air with their intoxicating fragrance and coloring the landscape with delicate lilacs and brilliant pinks.
Posted by: Amanda | May 19th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I purchased a Japanese dwarf lilac bush two years ago. It is is full bloom and so fragrant. Do I follow the same rules for cutting back the dead flowers?
Posted by: Susan Hemann | May 19th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Ours are in full bloom here in Spokane, Washington, where our city's motto is "The Lilac City." On Saturday evening, we had our 70th annual Lilac Torchlight Parade that winds through the streets of downtown in the glow of the setting sun and into the evening. If you would ever like to be Grand Marshal of our Lilac Parade (the second week of May each year), please let me know and we would LOVE to have you!!!!
Posted by: Michaele | May 19th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
In Maine the white lilacs are just beginning to bloom and the purple ones aren't quite ready yet.
Posted by: Catherine S | May 19th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Martha, I have a 6 year old lilac, in a sunny well drained area. Every year it doesn't blossom, although it has tons of buds. The nursery has no ideas for me. The tree is otherwise healthy, with nice green foilage. Any ideas for me?
Posted by: lorrie naylor | May 19th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I recently purchased my first home, complete with its very own version of Grey Gardens. I am thrilled to report after much "Spring Clean-Up", it appears I have 5 lilac bushes, some already flowering. They are a bit of an unwieldy mess though, so should I trim them back after the blooms are gone or wait until fall?
Posted by: Tori | May 19th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
The lilacs look so lovely - a dear friend of mine has many happy memories of springtime in Michigan when lilacs are in bloom.
Here in Arizona we're enjoying the spectacular saguaro cactus blooms. Quite different than what you have back East, but a true showcase of nature's diversity and beauty on the planet.
Posted by: Kathy J. | May 20th, 2008 at 12:26 am
My primrose lilacs bloomed already.
they are yellow. My peonies are gonna blow away Better Homes and Gardens soon!!!So too my iris. Cant wait to see all the colors!! My clematis are starting to have flowers. Lilies are still budding up and preparing for their summer festivities.. Amaryllis have just started. Gee I have a jungle of surprises in every corner. I need more room though.
Posted by: theresa | May 20th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Oh I forgot to tell you how much I loved your lilacs. I must get a purple one. they are really nice and yours are, as usual, gorgeous. I have a variegated weigela too and it used to be really a beauty but too much dampness messed it up. Anyway I am telling you about it cause I think you would love one and it is so pretty. Why don't you look it up and see how nice they are.
Posted by: theresa | May 20th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Here in central Vermont, the weather has stayed cool and sunny enough to extend the bloomtime of our beautiful lilacs, tulips, and daffodils. We have several varieties of lilacs in our yard, but my favorite are the darker ones, the Sensation (dark with white edges), and the pale pink. The fragrance has been glorious!
Posted by: Kathy | May 20th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Dear Martha,
When we purchased our home a few years ago the owner told us that the Lilac Bush in our backyard barely blooms because he thinks he may have planted it too deep. Sure enough, every year there are 4 or 5 blooms toward the top of the bush and the rest remains bare. Is there anything I can do to help it bloom or should I just replant a new Lilac bush?
Thank you for your help,
April
Posted by: April | May 20th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Beautiful! I am always envious of mainlanders and their beautiful seasons. I was in New England two years ago and my sister and I took a trip all through New York state, stopping at the Highland Park Lilac Festival in Rochester. Phenomenal!
Right now I have a loaded mango tree, orchids and passionflower all over the yard and kahili and white ginger budding --should open in a couple of weeks. I live in Paradise, true, but even with all of the abundant Hawaiian flowers, we cannot have lilacs!
Posted by: Lisa Wiley | May 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Mine are blooming here in the rainy Pacific Northwest!!!
Lilacs remind of my French grandmother as I inherited my love of these fragrant beauties from her!
Posted by: Cindi | May 20th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Dear Martha:
If its not to late I would like to suggest two names for your Herefords.How about Elsie and Elmer after the famous Borden cows? That brings back memories of times more gentle and the ads always made me smile.
Posted by: Roberta Hallin | May 20th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Our apple trees here in Michigan have bloomed and we are now in post bloom. The Lilac bushes in my yard still have very tight buds but we are in for some warmer weather this weekend so hopfully that will push them along. Mackinac Island has a Lilac Festival every year this being the 59th year it runs from June 6-15 with lots of activities. Check out mackinac.com If you have never been to the island it is a magical place. No cars are allowed on the island you get everywhere by walking or horse and buggy. Lots of wonderful Fudge. Martha you should do a show on the island.
Posted by: Kim Kropf | May 20th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Alas, lilacs in spring are probably the thing I miss most about moving from West Virginia to Southern California. That and the fall foilage.
Posted by: Susan C | May 20th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Martha: I have a question about deep cleaning porus marble. In your housekeeping handbook you recommend using a poultice which you can get at a hardware store. We have one of the best hardware stores I know, and they didn't have any info. Can you give me more information. Also, are we able to e-mail your staff with quesions? Thank you Presto
Posted by: Presto | May 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Thank you for the blog on your gala night and the bistro-the photos of the dishes made me feel I was there ,too!! Growing lilacs and peonys here in the San Joaquin valley is challenging but the rewards,or the rewards!!!!
Posted by: Elvera Garrison | May 20th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
*sigh* I have one lonely lilac bush that is still in its pot. From last Mother's Day. My husband keeps forgetting to have the utility lines marked so he can plant it where I want it to go (to hide some ugly utility boxes). It weathered the winter in our driveway, and I'm surprised that it has leaves. No blooms whatsoever, but at least it is still alive.
Someday I'll have those fragrant bunches of purple to adorn my front yard...someday.
Posted by: Mrs. Brooke | May 20th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
mine are blooming here in upstate ny. but naturally, not as beautiful as those.
Posted by: 1dermama | May 21st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
How wonderful to step from the train,noise,crowd of the city into your lilac path. My lilacs are just starting to bloom. My tulips have been blooming since April 7. I am in Rehoboth Massachusetts. I just adore all things Martha!
Posted by: Edi Gardner | May 21st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Martha, I have an old, old house in the South and there was a Lilac bush/tree in the yard that had been there since at least the 1940's, if not longer. I had to move it about 7 years ago so the roofers wouldn't crush it, and after living all those years, it died. It broke my heart. So, I've enjoyed the pictures of yours. Thanks for sharing with us all.
Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Herring | May 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
My husband and I planted a purple lilac under our bedroom window a few years after we bought our house. Now, many years later, the lilac has grown almost up to the second floor bedroom window so we can smell its wonderful fragrance when the windows are open!
Posted by: Karen Ingraham | May 21st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Hi Martha! I love lilacs but haven't had much luck planting them. Would you share where you found your lilacs and any tips you have of growing them? I live in VA ... and rarely see lilacs in the area. Miss them dearly!
Thanks!
Sarah
Posted by: *sarahdippity | May 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 am
I see these photos and truly wish the internet carried smells.... I've been known to pull off the road and run up to blooming lilac bushes to bury my nose in the blossoms- heaven!
Posted by: Amy Nemeth | May 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Even though I can't really relate to the way you live, I very much enjoy your postings and photos. My mother used to call the feelings I get while wandering your site hyacinths for the soul. Your lilacs are beautiful. I'd love to see your farm, and nuzzle your horses, and give Sharkey a big kiss. You lead a charmed life. And, yes, I do understand you've worked very hard to get where you are today.
Posted by: jai carney | May 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
How lovely and how heavenly the fragrance must be when walking through them.
Posted by: connie duncan | May 23rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Dear Martha,
I can remember as a child in Massachusetts, the most beautiful lilac bush in my parents back yard and cutting the blooms for mothers day and presenting them to my mom. Every time I see a picture of a lilac it brings back those fond memories...Now I live in Florida and lilacs can't survive here, the heat and tropical conditions don't allow them to survive. So I'll just keep looking on the computer for the pictures. So I hope everyone enjoys thier lilacs. Please have a great, happy, safe summer. Always, Aarong-ma
Posted by: Rona Brunner | May 26th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Hello again,
I have recently invested in a beautiful home with fabulous grounds including a 40x20 flower garden. This is my first time as a gardener. I have always read your magazine and watched your show and now I can apply some of the things I've learned over the years. I have 2 lilac trees that only produced 2-4 blooms. What do you recommend? Should cut them down?
Thank you!
Posted by: Renee Molinari | May 26th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Hi Martha!
lilac bushes off the master bedroom deck. They never bloomed when we moved here and were on the North side of the house. I convinced my strong husband to transfer them to the south side and they are literally covered in blooms and the smell comes in the bedroom screen. "Earth is crammed with Heaven" Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I am a young mom of 3 daughters and have three blooming(finally
fondly,
Katie
Posted by: Katie | May 27th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I have two lilac trees which have been planted for about 3 yrs now. They appear very healthy and green. They stand about 4 ft tall. Only problem is: THEY NEVER BLOOM!!!!
I am in Nova Scotia Canada and although much cooler than the US, we (or others here) have lilacs that bloom.
I wonder if it could be the result of my uncontrollable urge to prune every shrub I have?
Also, I don't fertilize them but am wondering if they are considered an acid loving plant? I just fed my Rhods and Azaleas and was wondering if I could give them some of the same fertilizer?
Posted by: Jennifer | May 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Hi Martha,
What a lovely sight you lilacs are! I still remember the fragrance from when I lived in the UK. Unfortunately I have tryed in my Johannesburg garden, and the one precious plant I found didn't do at all well. I think that the South African climate doesn't agree with the plant.
I really enjoy watching your program everyday, such shame that we get them 3 months behind!!.
I especially love the recipes and have started to make my own pasta.
Regards Sue
Posted by: Sue Lawrie | June 2nd, 2008 at 8:41 am
Dear Martha,
The lilacs are absolutely beautiful. However, I kill every plant I touch and my cats eat the ones inside. I think I kill the outside ones because I forget to water them. We bought our first house in July and I am in desperate need of landscaping. My yard is an absolute jungle! Lilacs are one of my favorite flowers. How hard it is to plant them and how much sun do they need? I live in Cincinnati so they can withstand the climate from what I understand. Also, can you suggest any full sun plants that I can't kill because I forget to water them?
Thanks!
Suzie
Posted by: Suzie | June 2nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Nice pictures. We planted 8 Lilac trees last year that we dug up from another property, they were growing under a larger tree. This year they are growing, and are full of leaves but not even one flower on any of the trees!!
Any ideas???
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff | June 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
nd from south africa and was bowled over y the breautiful lilacs growing here. you have some lovely varieties in photograph!
Posted by: anne duigan | July 1st, 2008 at 9:13 am
Mass expulsions as I have defined them here are actually not possible in a brute physical sense. ,
Posted by: Roy81 | October 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 am