The Royal Botanical Gardens near Toronto is about to be full of blossoming lilacs
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington is about to be filled with hundreds of lilac flowers, with peak bloom anticipated for this weekend.
If you're already missing the cherry blossoms which reached their peak a few weeks ago, the season for lilacs is just about to begin. Lilacs are hardier than cherry blossom trees, typically holding their flowers for several weeks.
RBG has one of the world's most diverse lilac collections, with 534 individual lilacs representing 384 unique types. You'll be able to stroll through the beautifully landscaped Arboretum amongst the fragrant clusters of lavender flowers.
For lilac-enthusiasts, the gardens exhibit both rare and common lilacs, including French and Preston hybrids, hyacinth lilacs, and a white double-flowered French hybrid called Syringa vulgaris 'McMaster Centennial.'
"The lilac collection is part of a living museum at RBG where ornamental plants are displayed like paintings, sculptures, texts, or other objects that capture human spirit, progress, and endeavor," says Alex Henderson, Curator of Living Plants RBG.
Visitors can experience the RBG's lilac collection from approximately mid-May to early-June as they are at their peak. While you're there, you can also explore nearby trails for a lovely spring hike.
The Arboretum will be open until June 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Timed tickets are required for admission and parking, which should be purchased in advance online.
Royal Botanical Gardens
