Can You Smell Spring?

 Ahhhh!  The lilacs are blooming.  The lilac perfume is one of my favorite parts of Spring.  This is a dark purple hybrid called Frank Klaeger.  I think I have blogged about that story before.  Sadly, this bush is covered in moss and leaning severely so I do not think it is long for this backyard.  I am enjoying it while I can.

 This is an old fashioned lavender lilac that seems to be impervious to the afflictions of the hybrids.

I do not know what this plant is called.  It was planted here when we bought the house 35 years ago and the bush is HUGE, about 15 feet across and 5 feet tall.  Every Spring it is covered with cascading white blooms that remind me of a bridge's bouquet.
I hope Spring in in the air where you are!

Springtime Treat - Heavenly Lilacs

Despite our soggy Spring, the old, reliable lilacs are unfurling their blossoms and filling the air with their heady fragrance. I took this picture on the front porch for the natural light but within 5 minutes of carrying them back inside the whole house was perfumed.
The pale ones are old fashioned lilacs and they are the fragrant ones. The darker ones are a variety named Frank Klager. Hulda Klager was a well known lilac breeder and she named this one after her husband. We bought it while visiting her historic gardens about 25 years ago. They are not fragrant but the deep purple color is stunning against a blue sky.
The lilac blooms don't last long but they are one of my favorite Spring treats.