We’ll gather lilacs …

“Lilacs smell like they look.  They could have no other scent or colour, the flower simply smells mauve, that haunting naive purple, mysterious and sweet, just this side of decay.  When you think about it, the combination of hue and scent is first correct, then perfect. ~ J. Carroll

Purple lilacs symbolize the first emotions of love; while white lilacs represent youthful innocence.

According to Greek mythology a beautiful nymph Syringa (Lilac’s botanical name) was chased by Pan, the god of the forests and fields.  Frightened by Pan’s affections, she escaped him by turning herself into an aromatic bush – the flower we know as Lilac.

For me, the Lilac heralds the next phase of flowering in the garden.  The daffodils and tulips are almost at the end of their time.  We have been graced by their presence over the last few weeks; when they brought an end to the winter drabness and bare borders; now we welcome the newest arrivals, and Lilac is one of the first. 

On a calm day, with the sun shining, their perfume can be almost overwhelming and intoxicating; but a day like today with a strong wind blowing and no heat in the sun the fragrance dissipates as the blooms are tossed like a ship in a storm.

The bushes in my garden are full of blossom but the buds are still mainly tight-closed, like a fist, with just one or two opening as the weak sun catches them.  I snip off a sprig and place it in a tiny vase on my desk so that I may delight in the perfume as I work.

“The lilac branches are bowed under the weight of the flowers: blooming is hard, and the most important thing is – to bloom.” ~ Yevgeny Zamyatin

To end with I thought I would share some photos husband took over the weekend.

p.s. Guess what – I have my first ripe strawberry in the greenhouse!  The first of many more to come I hope.

Elaine