Fr. John L. Fiala. Lilacs: The Genus Syringa. Timber Press. 2002 (paperback).

What do Lilacs make you think of? I remember a clump in my backyard while I was in elementary school. We enjoyed hiding from each other by climbing inside the clump where the shrub had died back a bit. I also remember a row of lilacs at my grandparent's house. Lilacs and spring simply go together for me.

Lilacs: The Genus Syringa is written by a man who was introduced to Lilacs while growing up in my state of Michigan. This man has studied them for many years and spent ten years just writing this comprehensive book on the subject.

As you might expect of any plant book on a single plant genus, it begins with the taxonomy of Lilacs in detail with additional notes. The next two chapters discuss the lilac species originating in Europe and those from China, India, Korea and Japan. Learning about those who explore new areas for plants and bring them back to home gardeners is always fascinating to me.

Chapters 4-6 discuss lilacs by color groups, their use in landscaping, and suggested companion plants. This information is particularly valuable to those home gardeners without access to the professionals. You'll learn to use these shrubs in a way that highlights both them and their companion plants.

The next chapters (7-9) present information on Lilac culture, possible problems, and information on propagating your favorite varieties. These chapters are suitable for the professional and the home gardener alike.

The book concludes with an interesting chapter on those who created many of the lilac varieties we have available to us today. If you enjoy botanical history, this should be of interest to you

Recommendation

Lilacs: The Genus Syringais filled with outstanding information suitable for all types of gardeners. It is well illustrated with drawings and photographs. Even if you think you have no room for those large bushes so many of us fondly recall from our childhood, you'll find at least one or two suitable for even the smallest garden.