Lilac Time

Lilacia Park, 150 South Park Avenue, Lombard, IL 60148

My friend Sue mentioned a park where people could visit for free every day from dawn to dusk. I thought, “Oh, really?” And then she said there would be lilacs. Lots of lilacs.

There is nothing so sweet and gentle as fresh lilacs in spring.

I kept checking the Bloom-O-Meter on the Lilac Time in Lombard website to follow the peak bloom progress for the lilacs in Lilacia Park. (The website link is at the end of this blog post.) Mother’s Day seemed to coincide with the Bloom-O-Meter pointing straight up to the peak. I wasn’t keen on going on such a busy weekend, so I decided to visit on the final weekend of Lilac Time with my mother and Lisa. The Bloom-O-Meter was still holding steady at peak.

We arrived on a beautiful, warm and sunny spring morning. There was plenty of parking at the adjacent library. We weren’t even near the park but the breezes gave us a preview of the fragrances from the lilacs and other spring flowers. I grabbed my camera and we set forth toward the entrance.

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Lilac Time at Lilacia Park.

“Everyone was out to have a good time and relax.”

Before we took our first step in the park, we learned that Colonel William R. Plum donated this land to Lombard. And it was nationally-recognized landscape architect Jens Jensen who designed Lilacia Park in 1928. These two gentlemen shared a love of open public spaces and beautiful gardens. Who could have guessed that we would be enjoying their gift today?

I was under the impression that this would be a sensory experience overload of lilacs. It was not shaping up to be. I could tell from the carpets of ground flowers, and the standing tall lillies and tulips, that the lilacs were due to take center stage; but, first there were so many other arrangements to enjoy.

“Such beautiful subjects made for such beautiful photos.”

There were so many people out today. But I didn’t ever feel crowded or rushed. Everyone was out to have a good time and relax. My professional’s choice fixed lens camera felt like a toy in my hands as I saw so many people holding lenses T-H-I-S  L-O-N-G. Undaunted, I focused on my mom and Lisa, and the subjects in Lilacia Park. Such beautiful subjects made for such beautiful photos. All I had to do was look, point and click.

The lilacs were impressive. They were plentiful and everywhere. All we had to do was follow our nose and marvel at the bright purple splashes of color. There were so many flowers, plants, trees and birds to see. It felt like a celebration of spring. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. This was indeed truly a gift. Today was a day I will always remember. I am excited that I can share my experience with you for a visit next spring.

May is the magical month for Lilac Time at Lilacia Park in Lombard. The Bloom-O-Meter keeps everyone up to date with the progress of the blooming lilacs. I don’t have a green thumb but my index finger will point the way toward another visit next spring. To learn more about Lilac Time at Lilacia Park, visit Lilac Time in Lombard

To see more photos of Lilac Time at Lilacia Park, click on the link to my Adobe Spark photoblog at Adobe Spark – Lilac Time