“Lilacs are nature’s way of reminding us that the simplest things can bring us the greatest pleasure.”
-Unknown
Hello, sweet friends…
I hope you are well…
With their intoxicating fragrance and delicate purple petals, lilacs hold a special place in the hearts of many…marking the transition from spring to summer, and bringing color and vibrancy to the garden.
However, just like any living thing, even these stunning flowers have their moments of vulnerability.
A couple of weeks ago, I came across two lilac trees that had seen better days. Their branches were drooping and the leaves had lost their luster.
I carefully cut and arranged some of the them into a bouquet. Their faded beauty, once vibrant and full of life, now represented the passage of time and impermanence of nature’s gifts…and the gentle reminder that there is beauty in every stage of life’s journey.
Marcia’s Gardening Tips…
*Wait until your lilacs are in full bloom, usually in the spring or early summer. This is when their flowers are at their peek, in terms of fragrance and visual appeal.
*Look for healthy lilac stems with abundant cluster of fully open flowers.
*Use clean and sharp pruning shears, making angled cuts about a quarter inch above a leaf node or bud.
*Immediately place the freshly cut lilac stems into a clean vase filled with room-temperature water. Change the water every few days and trim the stems slightly at an angle to enhance water absorption.
Cutting these enchanting blooms to create a home bouquet allows me to bring the loveliness of lilacs indoors. Whether adorning a dining table, brightening a living space, or giving as a thoughtful gift, a lilac bouquet always brings me a sense of joy and serenity.
Thank you so much for this delightful post celebrating lilacs.
Your tips about pruning and showing how to arrange lilacs were very helpful.
I really liked the musical accompaniment with the video.
Happy Summer!
Hi Jose,
I so enjoy the summer along the Oregon Coast. It is wonderful to see all the blooms coming forth with such vibrant colors. I am happy to hear that my lilac tips were helpful. Enjoy your summer!
How beautiful! I never owned a lilac bush until at this home! We bought it a couple of years after we moved in and its really not doing well and didnt produce many blooms this year. I was told by a lady at work years ago NOT to cut the flower and leave it alone ! Well that is very hard for me to do!!!! Enjoy that lovely fragrance xo
Dear Donna,
I love our two lilac bushes (trees) they are huge! I am sorry to hear that yours isn’t doing well. I’ve come to learn that there are indeed differing opinion on cutting lilacs. Some people believe that pruning can affect the flowering for the next season, while others find that proper pruning can actually help promote heather growth and more abundant blooms. It seems that the best approach may depend on various factors, such as the specific lilacs variety, climate, and local gardening practices. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that yours will get stronger.
Hope you are enjoying the summer!
An lovely reminder that Spring has Sprung! Lilacs remind me of my mother who adored them. Such a beautiful flower bush!
Dear Becky,
it’s remarkable how certain scents and flowers can evoke such strong emotions and memories. Lilacs, with their delicate beauty and captivating fragrance, have a way of transporting us back to cherished moments in our lives. It makes me happy that my post resonated with you and brought back fond memories of your precious mother…she was such a delightful lady.