Lilac Time

Hardy but fleeting, the captivating and sweet fragrance of New Hampshire's state flower is a short season to savor

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW MEAD

Big billowy blossoms in a plethora of purple tinge the air with a unique fragrance that represents early summer. To experience the lilac, you must pay attention to the season and be ready to savor the sights and smells at the very end of May. In New Hampshire, these woody shrubs bloom for about a two-week period with richly hued flowers in shades of deep purple to light lavender. Many bloom varieties come in double blossoms as well and in species in which the flowers are all white or purple tipped in white.

Lilacs are part of the fabric of our state. Settlers brought them from Europe to the earliest settlements as a fond reminder of home. You can see the oldest lilac bushes in New Hampshire at the historic Governor Wentworth house in Portsmouth during its lilac festival at the end of May.

Because the season is so short, we've created a few special ways to engage the lilac theme and experience its color and style at your home.

ARRANGE IT

To make an arrangement, cut blossoms early in the morning before the heat of the day. Smash woody stems with a hammer and plunge directly into cold water. Use only glass, pottery or plastic vessels, as metal containers cause blossoms to weep. If you do use a metal vessel, line it first with plastic to protect the life of the flowers.

Apotheca Flowers

Fresh seasonal cut flowers

24c Main St., Goffstown / apothecaflowershoppe.com

BAKE IT

Color-infuse a cake or garnish cupcakes. Add a few drops of purple food coloring to your favorite cake batter to create colorful cake layers that pay homage to the season. You can also use fresh-cut blossoms to trim and garnish themed cupcakes for a seasonal gathering. Guests will marvel at the cake color upon cutting.

Piece of Cake

Food coloring and cake-decorating supplies

767 Islington St., Portsmouth / pieceocakepartynh.com

COLLECT IT

Collect shades of lilac in color or pattern from a flea market or antiques shops. We found lilac-shaded glass bottles, tabletop dishware and a mix of vintage linens and fabrics to use for wrapping bouquets or setting the table. Comb antiques shops for lilac memorabilia to add color to your home.

101A Antique & Collectible Center

A mix of vintage collectibles

141 NH Route 101A, Amherst / 101aantiques.com

PAINT IT

Try your hand at painting a picture. Set up a still life and put brush to canvas to create your own long-lasting painting of your favorite bouquet. Join a local art studio to learn the necessary brush strokes and enjoy lilacs all year long.

Drawing & Painting Studio

174 Main St., Second Floor, No. 8, Nashua Phone calls only please: 603-233-9565

PLANT IT

Local nurseries stock dozens of lilac varieties for purchase. Check out a garden center in your area for trees. Lilacs prefer moist, well-drained alkaline soil and full sun for the most abundant blooms.

Black Forest Nursery

A diverse mix of lilac trees in many varieties

209 King St., Boscawen / blackforestnursery.com