Lilacs & American Robins

After a typical cold, wet winter in Napa, it is with great joy that we welcome spring. How wonderful it is to finally feel the warm sun, smell the spring blossoms and hear the birds sing. What could be a more traditional sign of spring than the fragrant blooms of the lilac bush and the song of the red-breasted robin? .

The lilac is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring. Although there are many varieties, the species most familiar to us is Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac. It grows 10 to 20 feet tall and produces highly fragrant flower clusters in early spring. The colors of the blooms can range from white to pink to purple, depending on the variety.

Native to Eastern Europe, the common lilac needs winter chill to develop the best blossoms. For that reason, it is a garden staple in most cold-winter regions around the world. In Napa Valley, however, winter temperatures are normally not low enough for the plants to receive adequate winter chill.

For locations like ours, breeders developed the Descanso hybrids. These hybrid lilacs are smaller, growing only 8 to 12 feet tall, and they flower earlier than other lilacs. The Descanso varieties perform well in Napa Valley and are available in several colors, as their names indicate. Consider 'Angel White,' 'Blue Skies,' 'California Rose' or 'Lavender Lady.'

Plant lilacs in full sun and prune only after flowering as they bloom on the previous year's wood. Be patient. Some varieties can take two to three years to bear flowers. Be sure to bring the fragrant blossoms into the house for a fragrant spring treat.

Another sign of spring is the American robin (Turdus migratorius), one of the first birds to return in the spring. In Napa Valley, however, these birds never seem to leave. Robins are woodland birds; they nest in trees and like to return to the same place each year to build their nests. Their beautiful blue eggs remind us of Easter eggs. They will also nest in open boxes that have a six-inch square floor, an eight-inch-high back, open sides and a roof. The house should be placed 12 feet above the ground.

Fertile backyards keep the robins fat and happy on earthworms, beetles and snails. From April to July, the male robins will sing together at dusk and at dawn. According to an English legend, the robin picked a thorn from the crown of Jesus on his way to the cross. As the bird carried the thorn in its beak, a drop of blood fell onto the bird's breast, staining it red.

Now that spring is here, go outside and listen for the robins or look for them as they begin to make their nests. Don't forget to inhale the plentiful aromas of April flowers. Plant a lilac now, and before long, its perfume will be one of the wonderful spring scents you experience.

Free Workshop: Napa County Master Gardeners will host a free workshop on Container Vegetable Gardening on Saturday, May 12, at the U. C. Cooperative Extension office (address below) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call 707-253-4221 to reserve a space.