RESCHEDULED 20s and 30s Bloom Walk Series: Lilacs in May @ Arnold Arboretum

Official Posting: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN0000012NhV
You have to register here https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN0000012NhV
Leaders: Kate O'Brien, Angela Nguyen

RESCHEDULED
Join us for a beautiful, aromatic, and relaxed walk to observe Lilacs during the peak blooming period at the Arnold Arboretum. The history and significance of lilacs span centuries and continents, making them a beloved and enduring symbol of beauty, renewal, and memory. The Arnold Arboretum boasts an impressive collection of lilacs, with over 400 plants representing 173 different types. Here are some highlights: Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Known for its large, fragrant flower clusters, this species includes many cultivars with single or double blooms in various colors Kwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’): A compact variety with light lavender-pink flowers Japanease Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata): A tree-form lilac that blooms later in the season with creamy white flowers Syringa oblata subsp. Dilatata: One of the earliest blooming lilacs, featuring pale pinkish-lavender flowers Afghan Lilac (Syringa protolaciniata): Unique for its deeply lobed leaves, adding an interesting texture to the collection
We will walk the pace of the group along the Explorers Garden trail to observe the lilac collection and then up to Peters Hill to enjoy the Boston skyline during sunset. There is no considerable elevation gain, but please bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Optional visitation to the original JP Licks location (15 min walk) for ice cream afterward.
We will meet at 6:30pm. We plan to complete the walk by 8pm.
The arboretum is accessible by the T at the Forest Hill station - Orange line or commuter rail (Needham line) both within a 10-minute walk. Exact meeting location will be sent to registered participants.

About Lilacs: Lilacs are cherished around the globe for their enchanting fragrance and stunning visual appeal. Lilacs belong to the genus Syringa, which comprises around 12 species of flowering plants in the olive family, Oleaceae. Native to the rocky hills and forested slopes of the Balkan Peninsula, particularly in regions that are now modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. Lilacs carry a variety of meanings and symbolisms across different cultures and contexts. In general, they are associated with springtime, renewal, and the beauty of nature's cycles. Their fleeting blooms, which typically last only a few weeks, also evoke the ephemeral nature of beauty and the passage of time. Love and Romance: In the language of flowers, lilacs often symbolize youthful innocence and the first emotions of love. They are commonly used in wedding bouquets and romantic arrangements. Memory and Nostalgia: The heady fragrance of lilacs is known to evoke memories of past springs and childhood gardens. This connection to memory makes them a popular choice for sentimental plantings. Spiritual Renewal: In some cultures, lilacs are linked to spiritual renewal and transformation. Their blooming period coincides with Easter and other springtime religious observances, adding to their spiritual resonance.