Every now and then we come across an article in an old garden magazine about Horsford Gardens & Nursery. Lilacs are always mentioned. They are as much a symbol of Vermont as the dairy farm.

Under the horticultural wizardy of Ralph Fitz-Gerald, Horsford’s is carrying on its tradition of growing the finest lilacs in Vermont. We are also the largest grower in New England.

Lilacs are durable and very hardy. Old order receipts in our archives indicate that they have been shipped as far north as Alaska.

Although lilac blooms are brief, they are very fragrant. At dawn and dusk the air at the Nursery is thick with the scent of 10,000 blossoms. While there are many lovely hybrids, the most fragrant flowers are borne on Syringa vulgaris, or Common Purple Lilac.

Because they are so tough, lilacs have tolerated our present drought with limited effect. Their blooms and leaves may be smaller and not as profuse. You can help your lilac shrubs by keeping the area around their roots free of grass. Apply a two-inch layer of bark mulch. Give them a slow, deep watering once a month. Fertilize lilac shrubs in the spring as soon as the snow melts and a half amount again after they flower. They also appreciate a top dressing of compost worked into the soil each spring.

What’s new in the lilac kingdom? Horsford’s has been growing a Bailey Nursery introduction for several years. This year we will have a limited supply of S. ‘Tinkerbelle.’ S. ‘Tinkerbelle,’ a compact lilac, is a cross between S. meyeri ‘Palibin’ and S. microphylla ‘Superba.’ Its growth and bloom time are similar to the Dwarf Korean Lilac. With a spicy fragrance and incredible wine-red flower buds that open to pink, this attractive shrub is an excellent addition to any yard or garden. We presently offer ‘Tinkerbelle’ as an 18–24 inch shrub.

Other “limited lovelies” include:

S. ‘Yankee Doodle’. We have hefty 5-ft. shrubs for an instantly mature effect, with a profusion of deep dark purple flowers.

S. ‘Sarah Sands’. These are wellrounded 3–4 ft. and 4–5 ft. shrubs with large panicles of violet purple flowers.

S. ‘Ludwig Spathe’. This is possibly the most coveted variety. It is the lilac with the dark, dark purple flowers that are often growing around old farm foundations, long after the barn has collapsed. Ralph has been growing these for years but waited to offer them for sale until they bloomed to be sure they were true ‘Ludwigs.’ In past years we have had trouble with imposters.

All of our “limited lovelies” are available through our retail garden shop only. See our catalogue for pricing.

Our Gardener’s Favorite? S. ‘Sensation’. Its dark purple flowers are edged with white. Its fragrance is pure spring.