In a Vase, on Monday – Lilac County

Chris Mousseau

I’m sure there are many counties and even regions in Canada and the U.S. that could call themselves Lilac County – perhaps elsewhere in the world as well? – but taking a ride down the main streets and the side roads of Prince Edward County the last week of May surely makes one think that lilacs – Syringa sp – were the favourite shrub of 18th, 19th, 20th and now 21st century settlers. What appears to be nondescript green hedgerows in July and August come alive with mauves and whites in May. Any shrub with no flowers growing at the side of a road at this time of year is generally buckthorn (another imported shrub, much more invasive and generally reviled) – easily ignored since all eyes (that aren’t focused on the road) are fixated on the luscious lilacs.

I’m joining Cathy at Rambling In The Garden, who encourages us to share a vase highlighting what is growing in our gardens every Monday, with a vase of lilacs cut from my garden. Cathy enjoys a prop with a connecting story and mine today is the simple rain gauge showing the four inches (100 mm) of rain we’ve had since last Wednesday afternoon. Happily it will be mainly sunny this week, allowing lawns to dry and mowers to mow. Have a great week everyone!

Green ceramic vase full of mauve and purple lilacs

26 Comments

  3. In my work, I notice that some species that are more popular regionally remain popular within subcultures from such regions. Lilacs are not so common here, but the few that are here are notably popular among those from Oklahoma and especially Texas. I have only seen a small part of Texas at night, so did not notice if lilacs are popular there, but I get the impression that they must be.

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  4. This is a great post. I’m a huge fan of Lilacs of all species. Our weather this spring has been very weird. When the Syringa vulgaris shrubs were blooming, the weather was hot and the blooms only lasted a few days. But some cool weather hit when the S. meyeri and S. pubescens started blooming, and the flowers are lasting a couple of weeks! The scent is wonderful. Happy vase day!

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    1. Cool air is like a fridge for spring flowers eh? Do you have Preston lilacs as well? They’re a Canadian bred hybrid that typically flower a few weeks after S. vulgaris. Not as fragrant, unfortunately.

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  6. Well, that’s interesting to read about the predominance of lilacs in the hedgerows of Prince Edward County – might they be native, or were they introduced by settlers? I like the colour and shape of the vase you have chosen to showcase yours – it works perfectly Chris

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  8. Despite Tony’s comment, I haven’t seen a lilac since moving to Texas, and I envy anyone who has them around! Apparently they can be grown in the northern part of the state, around Dallas/Ft. Worth and such, but most of us have to ‘make do’ with other natives that don’t require cool to cold temperatures for part of the year.

    We ex-midwesterners who long for lilacs have to make other adjustments, as well. When I was out this weekend I passed field after field already filled with tall, already tasseled corn, and the first hay cutting is done. Latitude matters!

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    1. LOL – I was wondering if you’d comment on Tony’s comment! Thanks! Fresh corn is at least a month away up here and, like lilacs in bloom, it’s a highlight of the year. We’re always on the lookout for the first corn at farmers’ roadside stands…

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  9. That must be a wonderful sight Chris. 🩷 I wonder why they have not caught on in other areas – they must simply like your soil and climate. With all that rain it is no wonder you have so many flowers! Bet it smells lovely everywhere too! Hope it dries up soon!

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    1. Yes! Nothing better than the smell in the garden after a rain! I think lilacs do need a period of cool weather to bloom…maybe not though, since their flower buds are formed during the summer (which is why I do any pruning right after the spring blossoms fade, not wanting to risk cutting off next year’s flowers by pruning too late in the season).

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