Lilacs - Shockingly, Related to Olives!

While I do have the "black thumbs of death", I very much enjoy seeing beautiful flowers bloom - one reason I enjoy our membership to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as the people there absolutely do NOT have the "black thumbs of death"! A few years ago my daughter gave me some lilac bushes - my husband planted them and shockingly, they are growing!

I LOVE lilacs! Especially the darker purple lilacs - they are SO pretty and the fragrance of lilacs is one of my favorite fragrances! This is why the flower for today is lilac - so, here are some fun facts about lilacs . . . 

• There are more than 1000 varieties of Lilacs.
• Lilacs have been known to live more than 100 years!
• I was very surprised to learn Lilacs are related to Olives!
•  Lilacs are edible and often used to make lilac sugar, jelly, ice cream.
• Lilacs come in many colors beyond classic purple, including white, pink, blue, magenta, and dark burgundy.
• Fossil records suggest lilacs have remained largely unchanged for over 20 million years.
• Wood from lilac trees is used to make musical instruments, knife handles, and more!

You will find more fun facts about Lilacs at this link - share them with the children you love!