One of the most cherished gifts I’ve received from my mom are the tiny lilac transplants from her garden. They bring such joy when they bloom each June.
Mom planted these Dwarf Korean Lilacs around a tree in her front yard. As they began to spread, she dug up the suckers, potted them, and sent them home with me to Maine – maybe as early as 2008 – where I planted them around my bird feeder.
I missed a lilac week last year when I was in Pennsylvania, where they bloom a whole month earlier than they do here in Maine. They blend so nicely with the lupines.
These lilacs hold a special place in my heart, not just because they are a beautiful focal point of my wild and crazy garden but also because they symbolize her love.
One of the things I adore about lilac season is the way they attract a variety of pollinator friends, especially the clearwing moths (or hummingbird moths) and butterflies. The sight of the vibrant, delicate creatures fluttering around the lilac blossoms never fails to fill me with joy and challenge me with my camera.
Clearwing moths, with their transparent wings and furry bodies, are fascinating sights as they gracefully move from flower to flower, sipping nectar.
Yellow tiger swallowtail butterflies bring a touch of elegance to the blooming lilacs.
When the scent of lilacs rolls along with the breeze, it’s as if Mom is here with me. Her gift of those tiny lilacs from her garden has become even more significant now that she’s no longer with us. It’s remarkable how a simple gift of lilacs has brought so much life and wonder into my little spot in the woods.
There are other reminders of Mom in my garden. Slowly I’ve been bringing gifts I gave her back home with me like this gazing ball, a long ago birthday gift now sits tucked among the lupines and lilies.
In this ramshackle garden, memories of mom bloom beautifully through cherished gifts exchanged with love and gratitude.
Other posts with Mom’s lilacs:
