My lilac bush had a brief but glorious two week bloom this year, with the freeze and snow on Friday finally scattering the petals.

In our seven years in this home so far, sometimes the lilacs bloom on my firstborn’s birthday in May, or Mother’s Day.

Birds love to bounce and play on the branches year-round, with verdant leaves offering shade, which is always another form of cheer.

Growing this magnificent fragrant beauty has been an unexpected gift and always makes me smile.

I time the pruning process in that short window after blooms fade, and we’ve learned how to pare it down and redirect the branches.

The lilac scent floats and lingers, an invigorating welcome to springtime.