A goldfinch rests on a branch of golden-green leaves.

A red ray petunia blooms brightly on the deck.

My frog-colored rainboots sink in the soggy bog.

It looks like spring, yes, with the bright yellows and reds and golden greens. But spring doesn’t truly smell like spring until the lilacs bloom.

For three of the past four years, my daughters and I have made an annual romp through the blooming lilac collection at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

This bud is for you, Aunt Lilac!

We adore their heavenly scent, which is why we heartily believe L is for Lilac!