The month of May is always the Month of Lilacs for me.  They have always been one of my favorite flowers because of their great aroma.  As a child, my bedroom window looked out at a hedge of lilacs.  Not only were there the common light purple lilacs, but there was also one bush of deep magenta.

Watching when the lilacs bloom has always been the way I have noted if spring has come early or late.  Little did I know that keeping track of when the lilac blooms is actually a reliable way to map the way our climate is changing. Read more:  

There is a book about the origin of the lilac name that can be found in the Rare Book Room at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland , Ohio .  

Another Arboretum that gives special tribute to the lilac bush is the Arnold Arboretum   in Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts.  Every May a day-long celebration in honor of the lilac bush is held at the Arnold Arboretum.   Whether you like lilacs or just strolls in nature, the Holden and Arnold Arboretums are a perfect place for a spring or summer picnic. 

Enjoy the lilacs!