There is something special about the smell of lilacs! How fitting that they are almost always in bloom right around Mother’s Day and perfect for a visit to the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. Located in Woodland, Washington north of Vancouver about 25-30 minutes, the Lilac Gardens are a surprising find in this little town.
Now on the list of National Historic Sites, the garden began in 1905 when Hulda Klager began hybridizing lilacs and was so successful, she started opening her garden to neighbors to come view the lilacs in her yard. The annual event eventually became known as Lilac Days and has been a mainstay in Woodland going back to almost 1920. A terrible flood in 1948 wiped out everything but the tall trees in the yard, but with help from neighbors who had starts from her own lilac bushes, she was able to replant and start again.
With the hard work of the Hulda Klager Lilac Society, the gardens and house are well preserved and a lovely place to enjoy the lilacs once again. During Lilac Days, the garden is in immaculate condition and guests are welcome to wander the enormous lilac bushes, see the many other display beds, tour the house, and even purchse a lilac bush of your own. The small entry fee is well worth the chance to see and smell the beautiful lilacs in their many colors. It is a Mother’s Day tradition in many families to make the visit to the lilac gardens and celebrate the height of spring.
The Lilac Gardens are located off I-5 exit 21, 30 minutes north of Portland, Oregon or 2.5 hours south of Seattle, Washington at 115 South Pekin Road, Woodland, Washington 98674. (Our mailing address is PO Box 828). The Gardens are open to the public most days of the year from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
www.LilacGardens.com
