Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
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"Sensation" lilac at Hulda Klager
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | 115 South Pekin Road Woodland, Washington |
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| Area | 7 acres (0.028 km2) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architectural style | Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001847 |
| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1975 |
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are a special place in Woodland, Washington. It's a botanical garden that focuses on beautiful lilac flowers. These gardens are run by a nonprofit group, meaning they are dedicated to their mission, not making money.
You can find the gardens at 115 South Pekin Road. They are open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There is a small fee of $3.00 to enter and explore the amazing flowers.
The Story of Hulda Klager and Her Lilacs
The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens were started by a remarkable woman named Hulda Klager. She lived from 1863 to 1960. Hulda had a passion for plants, especially lilacs.
In 1905, Hulda began a fascinating project. She started to hybridize lilacs. This means she carefully cross-bred different types of lilacs to create brand new varieties. It was like being a plant scientist!
By 1910, her hard work paid off. She had successfully created 14 new and unique lilac varieties. People were amazed by her creations.
In 1920, Hulda started showing off her beautiful lilacs every spring. This became a popular event. Visitors would come from all around to see her stunning new flowers.
A Garden's Comeback Story
In 1948, the gardens faced a big challenge. A flood swept through the area. Many of Hulda's precious plants were lost. Only the largest trees managed to survive the waters.
It was a sad time for the gardens. But something wonderful happened next. People who had bought plants from Hulda in the past remembered her. They returned small pieces of their own lilac plants to help her.
Thanks to this kindness, the gardens could be replanted. Just two years later, in 1950, the gardens were ready again. They reopened for their annual "Lilac Week" celebration.
Hulda Klager continued her work for many years. She eventually developed more than 250 different varieties of lilacs! Her dedication left an incredible legacy.
The Gardens Today
After Hulda Klager passed away, people wanted to make sure her gardens would last. They worked to preserve this special place. In 1976, a nonprofit foundation was created to care for the gardens.
Today, the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are still thriving. You can find more than 90 different kinds of lilacs there. The gardens also feature beautiful Victorian-style gardens. There is even an old farmhouse to explore, giving you a peek into the past.
It's a wonderful place to visit and learn about plants. You can see the results of one woman's passion and the community's effort to save a treasure.
