Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Memories of French Lilac


My Dad loved French Lilac. Whenever he saw a blooming bush of French Lilac, he would stop whatever he was doing (like driving a car) and go over to the bush to smell the fresh blooms. I remember my brother and me sitting in the backseat rolling our eyes...

processed with Kim Klassen's texture "dustyrose"

But nowadays I don't roll my eyes anymore - I can so well understand why my Dad did that. Since we moved to this home almost two years ago, I planted 6 French Lilacs - the last one, Pocahontas (pictured here) just two days ago.


My friend K. had given it to me because my Dad had passed away without knowing this special detail of his life. You can imagine her surprise when I told her what French Lilacs meant to my Dad.

I planted this one in memory of my Dad right at our front gate of our new fence. This way, when it will have grown a bit, passers by will be able to smell the blooms if they want to - just like my Dad did.

I'm linking up with Kim Klassen's "Texture Tuesday".


16 comments:

Cheri said...

My Mom loved lilacs too. We had a huge bush in our backyard and she would frequently cut the blooms and bring them into the house to bring the fragrance indoors. Will have to think about planting a lilac bush this year.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I agree with you, and your Father, they are lovely...and the fragrance is amazing. Your friend certainly found a perfect way to honor him. Here we grow a variety that doesn't need as much winter chill, mine are just starting to bloom.

Netty said...

Have never seen a french lilac so thank you for sharing this sweet plant, am sure the smell is wonderful. Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Dotti said...

This is a beautiful plant! And I love that you planted it where others can share in its beauty. A magnificent tribute to your dad.

Elephant's Child said...

Scent is such a huge emotional trigger isn't it? And I love your father's taste - I have several lilacs planted in our garden - and they will be joined with more. (If I can find room.) Such a lovely gift from your friend - and a perfect connection too.

Amanda said...

One of my favorite scent too!

gina said...

Lovely photos1 I am a big fan of lilacs too! I was so sad to leave my huge lilac bush when we moved...I tried to start a new one from a cutting, but it died. I will have to look for one in a nursery. The fragrance reminds me so much of my childhood, as my mother loved lilacs too.

EarlK said...

Beautiful photos. Wonderful memories. Every time you smell the fragrance will remind you of those eye rolling times.

Poppy said...

Hi Carola,

What a sweet and poignant tribute to your beloved father and his love of lilacs! They happen to be one of my own favourites, as their scent is so very unique and and their blooms beautiful.

Have a lovely weekend!

Poppy

Roxi H said...

The women in my family all loved lilacs. The men could care less. Lovely photos. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Hindustanka said...

This is the possible best way to keep memories of your love dones. I really liked your post...Even you of course will be smelling the lilacs every time just like your Dad did :)

windrock studio said...

I love this memory of your Dad, Carola.

patty said...

What a wonderful memorium for your dad - that's so cool that he did that! I have a birdbath with a special connection to my dad... it's a wonderful thing. Beautiful!

KB said...

Wonderful story.

Magic Love Crow said...

Beautiful post! So special in planting this French Lilac for your dad ;o)

Anonymous said...

So special. My dad loved lilacs too. It's one of my favorites.