Lilacs

I was driving home from downtown the other evening. The windows were down and I caught the scent of lilacs from the yards along 4th Street. What a delightful surprise that was.

I love lilacs and have not one bush in my yard. The neighbor next door trimmed hers way back last fall and will probably have few, if any, blooms this year. The house on the other side of hers has a nice lilac, pale purple flowers. Down on McKinley is a deep purple bush, gorgeous.

Several years ago, when I was living in Nashville, I was having dinner with friends and took a huge bouquet of lilacs to my hostess, Mary. She asked, "Where did you steal these?" I told her where there was a huge bush down the street, just in the alley, where no one was ever around to see me pick the sweet smelling flowers. I have no shame. Lilacs should be picked in giant bunches to fill the house with their springtime scent.

The current issue of Better Homes and Gardens has a great article about lilacs and different varieties. Or see photos here.

David Austin roses

I've had very little success with roses. I read about all the work they require and wonder if that's why my one little rose bush has done so poorly. But then I remember what my grandfather told me about growing things; just plant it, add water, and nature will do the rest.

I love David Austin roses and would love to have them in my yard. The look of old roses, the 80 and more petals per flower, make them the most beautiful roses I've seen. Only a few states have nurseries that carry the roses, so they have to be ordered and shipped. I think I'm too impatient for that.

If you haven't seen these, browse his site. the photos are gorgeous and there are a lot of suggested uses for roses. http://www.davidaustinroses.com/american/ The photo on this page is from the site. Borrowed without permission.

Magnolia tree

I have a gorgeous Saucer Magnolia tree in the back yard. I love the way some of the branches curve to the ground. There are buds on the tree and it will bloom soon. It has been known to bloom twice in one season but the second time there were few flowers.

I like to bring a few of the flowers inside to put in a shallow bowl. They will last a few days and it keeps me aware that spring is here.

This tree will grow about one foot a year and grow to 20-30 feet in height and width. It needs a lot of space. Mine has been struck by lightening twice and still continues to grow and produce flowers.