Jo has always
loved lilacs, stemming in part from the huge lilac bushes adorning
the yard of the farmhouse where she grew up in Illinois. She says her birthday (May 17th) would often be blessed by the fragrance and beauty of lilacs. Also the first Iris, (her middle name) would often appear on her birthday.
As we began our northern trek from Alabama a few days ago, she began to talk about a Lilac Festival she had
read about in Lombard, Illinois, and asked if she could please go
there as a birthday present. Rain is forecast for tomorrow, so we
decided to go today.
Friends Sharon and Jerry accompanied us to Lilacia Park for the annual Lilac Festival. We passed the two hour drive as friends often do, with banter, nostalgic reminiscences, and laughter. We arrived at the park, and were able to park directly across the street from one of the many entrances.
There were relatively few visitors on the paths and the scent of lilac was wonderfully present.
Friends Sharon and Jerry accompanied us to Lilacia Park for the annual Lilac Festival. We passed the two hour drive as friends often do, with banter, nostalgic reminiscences, and laughter. We arrived at the park, and were able to park directly across the street from one of the many entrances.
There were relatively few visitors on the paths and the scent of lilac was wonderfully present.
Hundreds of lilac bushes of every variety form
the backdrop for this immaculate park of smooth walkways, green
commons, tulip beds and other beautiful flower plantings.
Lilac fragrance greets you as soon as you step into the park. It lingers throughout this medium size park and invites you to plant your nose near the sweet smelling blossoms.
Lilac bushes in many stages of bloom, from
peak, to spent, to just budding, awaited our inspection. Fountains,
tables, and inviting benches are spaced throughout the park.
Secluded alcoves and open court-yards provide contrast. Panoramic
views open to present themselves at many turns of the path. Nicely
trimmed trees provide shade throughout the park, adding their own
beauty to the landscape. Beautiful grass lawns spaced in between
flower beds, lilac bushes, and trees complete the picture.
Such a nice day
we had walking through beautiful Lilacia Park. We would highly
recommend it any time of year and especially during lilac blooming
season.
Jo took a very satisfying walk "down memory lane"
in this great park that is truly a tribute to lilacs. Many times we
caught her with her nose in the luscious blooms, just enjoying the
scents. She said, "It feels like my birthday."
