T/Th: Choose Session 1 (1pm – 2:30pm) or Session 2 (2:30pm – 4pm).
Mother’s Day, 5/11: Choose Session 1 (10am – 11:45am) or Session 2 (12:15pm – 2pm).
Download/Print the Festival Flyer
May Caregiver Support Group
Thursday, May 8, 7pm (Zoom)
May Memory Cafe Program
Saturday, May 10, 10am – 12pm.
May Meet & Eat Program
Saturday, May 10, 12pm – 1pm.
Volunteer Opportunities
Weekly Garden Crew
Meet Tuesday or Thursday morning, 8am – 11am. Help maintain the accessible trails, garden beds, trees & shrubs.
Hospitality in the Garden
Meet Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, 12:30pm – 4:30pm. Help host guests in the garden.
Arboretum Project Assistant Volunteer
Flexible Schedule. Help create the accessible arboretum!
About our Lilac Collection
Over 50 lilac shrubs are wheelchair-accessible, planted within 5 feet of an ADA friendly hardscape trail. Our Lilac Nursery features young plants gifted and acquired at auction, including rare lilacs we grow for the Preservation Committee of the International Lilac Society. In total, we care for over 100 lilac plants.
Memorial
We remember with love Jan Ackerman (Karl’s mom), Joe MacDonald (Mary’s dad), and Roman Chrystycz (formerly of Danvers), for whom this show was founded.
A Top 10 List: Most Fragrant Lilacs to Plant!
From source: VITA Magazine
Lilacs are beloved for their enchanting fragrance, and some varieties are particularly renowned for their scent. Here are some of the most fragrant varieties of lilac:
1. Syringa vulgaris ‘President Grevy’
Description: This French hybrid lilac features large, double, blue-lavender blooms.
Fragrance: Very fragrant with a classic lilac scent.
2. Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’
Description: Known for its unique bi-color flowers, which are purple with white edges.
Fragrance: Strong and sweet.
3. Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ (Beauty of Moscow)
Description: This variety has stunning double white flowers with a slight pink hue.
Fragrance: Intensely fragrant with a traditional lilac aroma.
4. Syringa vulgaris ‘Miss Kim’
Description: A dwarf Korean lilac that produces lavender-pink flowers.
Fragrance: Highly fragrant, often described as spicy and sweet.
5. Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’
Description: Features double, magenta-pink flowers that are very showy.
Fragrance: Strongly fragrant.
6. Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Pocahontas’
Description: An early-blooming lilac with deep purple buds that open to dark purple flowers.
Fragrance: Very fragrant, with a rich, sweet scent.
7. Syringa vulgaris ‘Yankee Doodle’
Description: This variety has very dark purple, almost blue, single flowers.
Fragrance: Intensely fragrant.
8. Syringa x prestoniae ‘Miss Canada’
Description: Features bright pink flowers and blooms later than common lilacs.
Fragrance: Very fragrant with a pleasant, sweet scent.
9. Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Maiden’s Blush’
Description: Known for its soft pink flowers that fade to white.
Fragrance: Strong and sweet.
10. Syringa vulgaris ‘Katherine Havemeyer’
Description: This French hybrid lilac has double lavender-pink flowers.
Fragrance: Very fragrant, with a rich lilac scent.
Tips for Growing Fragrant Lilacs:
Sunlight: Plant lilacs in full sun to ensure the best blooms and fragrance.
Soil: They prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms the following year.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.