May 21, 2015
Centennial Lilac Gardens are Now in Full Bloom
Driving north along the Niagara Parkway just past the Floral Clock I could smell the lilac gardens before I saw them. Just on cue, the magnificent gardens were in full bloom and what a sight (and smell) it was.
The gardens came about as a gift in 1966 from the American Rotary Clubs of District 709 in the form of thirty-five hundred dollars to go towards the establishing a Centennial Lilac Garden to celebrate Canada's Centennial Birthday in 1967.
The original collection contained over 1,200 mature shrubs with over 225 different varieties represented. Today, the collection is much smaller. The lilacs are expected to be in bloom until the end of this month.
Do yourself and your family a favour and visit the gardens. Lay claim to one of the nearby tables and open up a picnic basket. It is guaranteed to slow the world.