Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who nurture us, and in Massachusetts, it also coincides with one of the most beloved spring traditions: Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum. This cherished event, running since 1908, transforms Boston’s landscape into a sea of fragrance and color. With 397 lilac plants representing 179 varieties, visitors are treated to one of the largest and most spectacular lilac collections in the country.
At Land Design Associates in Walpole, MA, we believe spring is the season of possibilities. From planting vibrant blooms to refreshing your garden design, May offers the perfect conditions to prepare your landscape for months of enjoyment. Whether you want to honor mom with a fresh garden, visit the Arboretum, or upgrade your own outdoor living space, we’re here to inspire you.
Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum
Where: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA
When: Sunday, May 11
What to Expect: A dazzling display of lilacs along Bussey Hill Road, horticultural talks, walking tours, and family-friendly activities.
Lilac Sunday isn’t just about viewing flowers—it’s about connecting with history, culture, and community. Since 1908, families have made it a tradition to walk the Arboretum grounds, picnic under blooming trees, and admire the diversity of lilac cultivars.
If you’re considering adding lilacs to your own yard, take inspiration from the Arboretum’s collection. With careful selection and proper care, lilacs can provide fragrance and beauty for decades.
Why May is the Perfect Time to Plant
May in New England is unique:
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Soil is warm enough to encourage root growth.
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Temperatures are mild, reducing stress on young plants.
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Rainfall is balanced, giving new plantings the moisture they need.
This month is also the unofficial kickoff to gardening season, with Memorial Day weekend marking the transition into high summer. Stock up now on annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs so your garden thrives all season long.
Plant Spotlight: Peonies
Peonies are among the most cherished spring perennials. Known for their massive blooms and rich fragrance, they can thrive for generations with minimal care.
Peony Planting & Care Tips:
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Stake early: Heavy flowers need support.
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Choose full sun: More light equals more blooms.
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Space properly: Good air circulation prevents mildew.
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Don’t transplant: Once established, peonies prefer to stay put.
Pro Tip: Buy a blooming peony at the nursery to guarantee the color and form you want.
Salvias: The Heat-Loving Powerhouse
For season-long performance, few perennials compete with salvias. These hardy, deer-resistant plants produce bold spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
Why Salvias Belong in Your Garden:
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Attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
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Tolerate heat and drought once established.
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Keep blooming when deadheaded and trimmed in midsummer.
Plant them near patios or walkways where their color and vertical form can shine.
Lilacs: Fragrant & Timeless
Lilacs aren’t just for Arboretums—they’re a timeless addition to New England gardens. With over 1,000 named varieties, lilacs offer countless options for fragrance, size, and bloom time.
Top Picks for Massachusetts Gardens
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Beauty of Moscow: Pink buds open into double-white flowers.
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President Grevy: A light blue cultivar with unmatched fragrance.
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Palibin Lilac: Compact and perfect for small spaces; available in shrub or tree form.
Lilac Care Tip: Prune immediately after blooming to set buds for next year. Deadhead spent blooms to keep shrubs looking fresh.
Designing with Seasonal Color
Spring landscapes come alive when color is layered thoughtfully. Our team at Land Design Associates specializes in creating planting designs that extend bloom time, mix textures, and integrate perennials with shrubs and annuals.
Design Strategies We Use:
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Pairing spring bloomers (like lilacs and peonies) with summer stars (such as hydrangeas and daylilies).
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Incorporating evergreens for year-round structure.
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Adding ornamental grasses for texture and movement.
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Creating pollinator-friendly plantings to support local ecosystems.
See how we bring seasonal beauty to life: See our work.
Mother’s Day Garden Gift Ideas
Looking for a memorable Mother’s Day gift? Skip the generic bouquet and give something that will bloom year after year:
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A flowering tree: Crabapples, dogwoods, or ornamental cherries.
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A perennial border: Mix peonies, irises, and salvias for continuous color.
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Custom planters: Seasonal containers designed to match your home’s style.
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Garden consultation: Schedule a design meeting with Land Design Associates for a tailored planting plan.
Landscape Enhancements for Spring
Beyond flowers, spring is the time to consider upgrades that transform how you use your outdoor space.
Popular Projects in May:
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Outdoor kitchens for summer entertaining.
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Patio expansions for family gatherings.
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Landscape lighting to extend evening enjoyment.
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Irrigation systems to protect your investment.
Whether you’re in Walpole, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Westwood, or Dover, our team has decades of experience bringing these visions to life.
Why Choose Land Design Associates?
At Land Design Associates, we’re more than gardeners—we’re certified landscape professionals who take pride in designing and maintaining landscapes that last.
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We are Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professionals (MCLP): Learn more here.
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We combine artistic design with horticultural science.
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Our team offers a full-service approach: design, build, and maintenance.
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We specialize in both residential and commercial properties across Greater Boston.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
This Mother’s Day, celebrate with flowers that last a lifetime. Whether it’s planting a new lilac, refreshing your perennial garden, or building an entirely new outdoor living space, Land Design Associates is here to help.
📞 Call us today or schedule your consultation online. Let us create a landscape your family will enjoy for years to come.
Book a Free Consultation