As warmer weather approaches, the flowers of Woodland’s Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are preparing to burst into color during a late blooming season.
Ruth Wendt, who has been with the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens for 30 years, said this year’s late bloom has been hard to pinpoint and noted there are no guarantees that at least half of the lilac plants will bloom by Mother’s Day.
History and flower lovers, along with others, can enjoy the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens during Lilac Days, which runs through May 14.
Hulda Klager took ownership of the 1889 Victorian farmhouse from her father and moved in during the year of 1903. Klager began propagating lilacs in 1905 and by 1910, she had created 14 new varieties of lilac plants.
In 1948, her farm was destroyed in the VanPort flood. Klager was 83 at the time, and with the help of her son Fritz and the community of Woodland, she restored the farm to what is now known as the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
Klager passed away in 1960, but her restored former home lives on and is a large attraction for Woodland.
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens sit on four and half acres. It now features over 150 varieties of lilacs and other rare plants and trees.
Visitors are able to walk amongst the plants and also buy them.
Lilacs are available to purchase everyday during Lilac Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming events include open house tours of the 1889 Victorian farmhouse that start at 1 p.m. and go until 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7. On Wednesday, May 10, there will be a birthday celebration for Klager from 1 to 4 p.m.
Following the Lilac Days celebration, the gardens will remain open.
“On the weekends they have music groups that play either in the gazebo or in the house,” Wendt said.
The Hummingbird Confectionery will provide its pop-up bakery service throughout Lilac Days this year. Their tables full of chocolate treats are located on the main walking path.
Tickets to the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens cost $5 at the gate. Children who are 12 years old or younger can enter for free with an adult.
Visitors are encouraged to check out the new museum located in the barn on the property.
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are located at 115 S. Pekin Road in Woodland.
To find out more, go online to lilacgardens.com.
