I’ve already bared my soul to you about my love of rhubarb.
Now it’s time to fess up about another spring plant.
I’m nutty about lilacs. I love everything about them – their various shades of purple, pink and white, their intoxicating sweet and spicy fragrance, the clusters of tiny flowers, which I’ve just learned are called panicles.
Love it all!
Perhaps what intrigues me most about lilacs is that they are only around for a couple of weeks in the spring, and not everywhere. Their message is simple: “I’m special. You’d better love me now while you have the chance.”
Lilacs grow best in areas that have a winter. They need the time to rest up before the next season of blooming. It’s good advice for all of us. My sister in Dallas doesn’t get to experience the joy of lilacs. It’s too darned hot in her neck of the woods.
Every day on my trip to the pasture, I drive past a building that right now has three lilacs blooming side- by- side. There’s white, lavender and deep purple. It takes my breath every single time I see this spectacular trio. On Tuesday I stopped to take some pictures and breathe in that yum-o-licious fragrance.
It was bliss.
When a clerk at the office supply store inquired how my day was going, I replied, “It’s wonderful. Have you noticed that the lilacs are blooming?” This is a habit of mine, to talk to strangers about things they don’t expect to hear. It’s actually quite entertaining.
He gave me a blank stare and then said, “Hmm. I guess I haven’t noticed.” I think he was hoping I’d leave soon.
“You owe it to yourself to go out and find some lilacs and just inhale.”
Now he was getting uncomfortable. He probably thought he had a real nut case on his hands. But he didn’t say that. He shrugged, waited a beat and then asked if he could help me with anything else.
I smiled. “No thanks. I only needed this paper.”
I hope he takes me up on my suggestion. Lilacs are one of the miracles of the world and everyone could benefit from lilac therapy. I’ve tried many times to cut them and bring them into the house. Once I even tried spreading them around my bed, for the pure hedonistic experience of sleeping in lilacs.
None of it was too successful. The lilacs quickly wilted.
What I think I’ve learned is that lilacs are best appreciated when left wild.
It makes me ask myself a hard to-answer question. Can I appreciate beauty in its natural state without having to take a piece of it and make it my own?
Bud and Pepper and my experiences with them in the pasture are helping me learn to value the natural world for what it is. And to be grateful for every moment I have on this amazing planet.
I hope you’ll stop sometime this week and smell the lilacs.
Eat your lunch beside a lilac bush. It will brighten your day. No doubt about it.
Just don’t wait too long.
8 comments
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May 19, 2010 at 8:54 am
Laurel
I stood outdoors last night after the rain swept through and sniffed the air. Lilacs, apple blossoms (and okay, just a faint smell of horse manure from the neighbors!) But, even that was sweet!
May 19, 2010 at 9:26 pm
jeanmcbride
I’ve grown quite fond of the smell of horse manure. And all mingled with blooming flowers – loverly!!
May 19, 2010 at 8:55 am
sarah fishburn
Lilacs were among my mum’s fave flores. We share the yard with a pesky Non-Blooming lilac. This year it actually bloomed. Sparingly, but bloomed. Then it snowed. I might dig it out.
May 19, 2010 at 9:26 pm
jeanmcbride
Don’t be too harsh. Lilacs need love too, even when they don’t bloom in profusion. Maybe it has to do with pruning or not pruning?
Glad to know your mom loved lilacs. They are an old-fashioned flower.
May 19, 2010 at 10:46 am
Tammy
I love lilacs too! There don’t seem to be many here in Oregon. But, the rhododendrons are making up for it! WOW! They are stunning, and absolutely everywhere! I’ve been taking your advice (in advance even) and enjoying the blooms any time I’m out and about! 🙂
May 19, 2010 at 9:24 pm
jeanmcbride
Hey Tammy,
When I lived near Seattle, I swooned over the rhodies. You’re in a gorgeous place. And thanks for taking my advice in advance. If only I’d had you as a client when I was in practice. It’s every therapist’s dream to have such cooperative clients. 🙂
May 19, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Carolann
I have a row of lilacs between my barn and house. I walk past them many times a day – they were planted there for a reason! Along with several very fragrant Canadian red cherry trees that are also blooming, the walk is good for the soul and the best way to start & end my day! The Catalpa trees are next!!!
May 19, 2010 at 9:22 pm
jeanmcbride
Hi Carolann,
I am so with you about the Catalpa trees. The blooms look like miniature orchids. Can’t wait.