Write-up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

With the arrival of spring I eagerly await the blossoming of the lilac bush not far from my front steps. It is gorgeous and fragrant. At the risk of sounding cliche, the soft purple tone of these flowers makes me wonder at the beauty created by nature.

Although lilac-colored lilacs are considered to be the most common (syringa vulgaris), as Martha Stewart pointed out in a wonderful blog piece she wrote, lilacs are a “diverse genus.” They grow in white, violet, blue, lavender, pink, magenta and purple ~ and in varying shades of those hues.

Each color has it own symbolism: white ~ purity & innocence: violet ~ spirituality: blue ~ happiness & tranquility: magenta ~ love & passion: light purple ~ first love. 

 Lilacs need six hours of full sun daily and to be planted where there is good drainage, experts advise. Whether one describes lilacs as growing on a bush or tree is said to depend on the thickness and height of the trunk. In years past, lilacs were used for medicinal purposes. In present day, they are utilized in aromatherapy. The light purple toned are said to have a calming effect to ease anxiety, according to brit.co/ . Considered edible, lilac recipes are available online ~ one that caught my eye is a Lilac Lemon Fizz Mocktail. 

Typically, lilacs blossom in May. It is possible to extend their blossoming season, however, most often it is brief. So, be sure to take time to smell the lilacs.