California Dreamin’ By Jason Edmonds
Aside from Roses there is no flower quite as beautiful and aromatic as Lilac. Unfortunately, Lilacs bloom for only a very brief period in the spring. Weather will have a lot to do with how long Lilac will bloom for and these fragrant blooms have been delighting people as far back as the 1750’s. They were grown in America’s first botanical gardens and were popular in New England. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew them in their gardens. Lilac bushes can live for hundreds of years, so a bush planted at that time may still be around. Lilacs originated from Europe and Asia, with the majority of natural varieties coming from Asia. In Europe, lilacs came from the Balkans, France and Turkey.
Where is the Lilac Capital of the World? Many areas grow them and many have a wide variety in large numbers, but Rochester, N.Y. undoubtedly is the Lilac Capital of the World. It’s love for Lilacs dates back to 1892 when Highland Park horticulturalist John Dunbar planted 20 varieties on the sunny southern slopes of the park. Highland Park in Rochester is the scene of an annual, two week long Lilac Festival, with over a half a million people attending the event each year. This park has over 500 varieties of lilacs and more than 1200 lilac bushes in the parks’ 155 acres. Lilac is starting to bloom now on the East & West Coasts.
