This West Coast City Is Home to Some of the Nation's Most Beautiful Lilac Blooms Each Spring

"The common lilac traveled by boat from Europe to America sometime in the mid-1700s. It was likely planted first in New Hampshire before debuting in gardens around the U.S. over the next century. It finally landed in Washington state in 1906. That's when one of Spokane's early builders, J. J. Browne, planted two lilac bushes at W. 2226 Second Avenue."

"Six years later, horticulturist John Duncan purchased 128 lilac cultivars (i.e., named lilac varieties) from Rochester, New York, and began planting what would be the Lilac Garden in Manito Park. That garden now contains well over 100 named cultivars from 23 species, which the city says makes it 'one of the most important lilac gardens in the West.'"

"The Spokane Lilac Festival usually takes place in the third week of May, when the lilacs are in full bloom. The weeklong lineup turns the entire town into a gorgeous shade of purple. Events include parades, a lilac luncheon, a brewfest at Riverfront Park Pavilion, a President's Gala, a car show, and an outdoor Lilac Marketplace on Howard Street."

Spokane, Washington, has become renowned as the 'Lilac City' due to its spectacular lilac displays and rich horticultural history. Common lilacs arrived in America from Europe in the mid-1700s and reached Washington state in 1906 when J. J. Browne planted the first bushes. In 1912, horticulturist John Duncan established the Lilac Garden in Manito Park with 128 lilac cultivars, which now contains over 100 named varieties from 23 species, making it one of the West's most important lilac gardens. Since 1938, Spokane has hosted an annual Lilac Festival in May featuring parades, cultural events, and the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, transforming the city into a purple landscape.

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