The two-day event will cover all things lilac, including a guest appearance by Jeff Young, Master Gardener and lilac expert.  He is the curator of the lilac collections at the University of Vermont Horticultural Farm and the Shelburne Museum and sits on the board of directors for the International Festival and the Vermont Master Gardener State Advisory Board.

Young will discuss the history of lilacs and how they were brought to the country.

“Lilacs used to be extremely rare, and most people are unaware that they are not native to the western hemisphere. These plants were brought over to America from many Asian countries in the 1700’s,” Young said. He added that there are more than 1,700 different types of lilacs and 23 species. 

“The history of lilacs is a good story to tell and I think people will appreciate them more,” Young said. 

The Schuylerville Chamber of Commerce tries to have four major events per year, coinciding with the seasons, and nothing says spring like blooming flowers. 

“Everyone remembers lilacs blooming at their grandmother’s house and the scent alone triggers memories,” said Mary Roberts of Schuylerville. “It’s really going to be a beautiful event.”

Lilac plants will be sold for $10 to raise money to plant lilacs around the city, which will

eventually turn into a walking tour. 

“It’ll take about five years to have full-blooming lilac plants around the city, but it’s our dream to plant many of them. They will really add to Schuylerville’s natural beauty,” Roberts said. 

Lilac plants generally take four seasons to grow large enough to produce flowers, and the fifth season should produce a whole plant full of flowers, Young said. 

The Gardener’s Weekend will open at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Schuylerville Garden Club’s annual plant sale. Throughout the day an array of events will take place, including a lecture by Young called “Lilacs 101,” a hands-on workshop that will teach about planting and pruning lilac plants and a Garden Tea with sandwiches, treats and tea for refreshment. 

Sunday’s events include workshops about creating container gardens, growing edible herbs and flowers and arts and crafts projects. There will also be gardening workshops for children. 

“If all goes as planned, we won’t have to go to Rochester or Vermont to see a wide arrangement of lilacs. In time, we want Schuylerville to have them all over the place,” Roberts said. 

The events will take place at Fort Hardy Park Youth Center, Olde Saratoga Home and Garden, Fish Creek Garden Shoppe and Schuyler Farms.  For more information, please call Mary Roberts at 5185-695-6923 or visit www.schuylervillechamber.org.