Lilacs at the Arnold Arboretum
Lilac Sunday
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration.
Though conditions this year have encouraged many plants in the collection to flower early, there will still be lilacs and many other spring bloomers to admire on Lilac Sunday. Tours of the lilacs and other special collections, live music, family activities, food vendors and picnicking (on this special day only), make for a memorable day. Be a part of this beloved Boston tradition!
The Arboretum is open as usual from dawn to dusk. Refreshments and activities are available from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Parking:
Street parking along the Arboretum perimeter is limited and visitors are advised to take public transportation. No unauthorized vehicles will be allowed within the gates during the event.
Accessibility:
Some parking spaces outside the gates will be designated for special-needs visitors. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at information tents in three locations: in front of the Hunnewell Visitor Center, inside the Forest Hills Gate, and inside the Centre Street Gate. They may not be reserved in advance.
While you are in the neighborhood, we invite you to visit local shops and restaurants in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale.
For more Lilac Sunday information call the Arnold Arboretum at 617.524.1718.
Enjoy the lilacs, and explore other featured collections at the Arboretum, too! Tours last about 45 minutes.
10:30am, 12:30, 1:00pm, 3:00pm
Lilac Collection Tour
Learn about the historic lilac collection with Arboretum staff.
—Meet at Lilac Collection
10:00am–3:00pm (every half hour)
Arboretum Tour
Learn about the Arboretum as you walk to the lilac collection with docents.
—Meet at Hunnewell Lawn
10:00am and 1:30pm
Leventritt Shrub & Vine Garden Tour
Learn about sun-loving shrubs and vines with horticulture staff.
—Meet at Lilac Collection
11:00am and 12:00pm
Explorers Garden Tour
Explorers travel the world to bring new plants to the Arboretum. Tour the Explorers Garden with Arboretum staff.
—Meet at Lilac Collection
11:30am and 2:30pm
Bradley Rosaceous Collection Tour
There are more than roses in the rose family! Tour the Bradley Rosaceous Collection with horticulture staff.
—Meet at Lilac Collection
12:30, 1:30, 2:30 pm
Multi-lingual Tours
Learn about the Arboretum as you walk to the lilac collection.
12:30: Visite guidée en français
1:30: Jira en español
2:30 pm: 中文向导
—Meet at Hunnewell Lawn
10:00am–4:00pm
Horticulture Truck Display
Come see a display of all of the various trucks used to take care of the Arboretum. Arborists will be on hand to answer questions!
—Centre Street Gate
10:00am–4:00pm
Arnold Arboretum Mobile Apps
Stop by and learn about the Arboretum’s new mobile technology initiatives with the IT staff.
—Hunnewell Lawn
10:00am–4:00pm
Arnold Arboretum Horticultural Library Display
Learn about the Arboretum’s book collection and extensive historical archives with the library staff.
—Hunnewell Lawn
10:00am–4:00pm
Arnold Arboretum Information
Look for information about the Arboretum and Lilac Sunday in the Hunnewell Visitor Center and at tents by the Arborway Gate, Forest Hills Gate, and Centre Street Gate.
—Various locations
10:00am–4:00pm
Lilac Information
What are the best lilacs for your home garden? Why don’t your lilacs bloom? Experts will be on hand to answer your lilac questions.
—Lilac Collection
10:00am–4:00pm
Science & Craft Workshop
- Lilac Science Station
- Make a Lilac Hat
- Be a Bee Pollen Toss
- Coloring and Drawing
- Mother’s Day Notecards
- Lilac Sunday Bingo
- Tattoo Parlor
—Hunnewell Lawn
11:00am–1:00pm
J-Way String Quartet
Relax as you listen to two sets of American and Brazilian inspired Jazz with this local all-female string quartet.
—Leventritt Pavilion
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12:00–2:00pm
Lloyd Thayer
Sit back and enjoy harmonica and steel guitar street blues. A great place to picnic, too!
—Bradley Rosaceous Collection
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1:00–2:00pm
Jam Africa
Experience the rhythmic drumming sounds of this African world-music trio with Jerry Leake. Percussion instruments provided for kids to join in!
—Hunnewell Lawn
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2:00–4:00pm
Delta Swingers Trio with Erin Harpe
Enjoy finger-picking guitar and rockin’ Delta blues with this local JP trio.
—Leventritt Pavilion
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2:30–4:00pm
Rob Flax and Sasha Kearn
Kick back and groove to gypsy jazz tunes in the style of Django Reinhardt.
—Bradley Rosaceous Collection
Picnicking allowed on this special day only! Please help keep the Arboretum beautiful by cleaning up after your meal. Trash and recycling containers are located throughout the landscape.
Refreshments are available from 10:00am–4:00pm from these vendors:
