Manito Park Lilac Garden
Every May Spokane, Washington takes on a purple hue as the
Lilac
City blooms. Not only do
we have lilacs planted throughout the City but also have an annual
Lilac Festival Parade. So,
it is only appropriate that Spokane’s
most popular and diverse park,
Manito Park, have a garden devoted wholly to
lilacs.
It was in 1906 when the first lilac bush was brought to
Spokane. Browne's Addition holds the distinct
honor of having the first two lilac bushes planted. Those bushes were
planted by J.J. Browne at 2226 West Second Avenue. Soon, lilacs were
planted throughout Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Eventually Spokane
earned the name "The Lilac City" in the 1930s when Dr. S.E. Lambert,
W.T. Triplett and John W.
Duncan at their suggestion. These men persuaded a local
gardening club to begin planting lilacs throughout
Spokane and Couer d’Alene, Idaho.
When in bloom, the lilac garden at
Manito Park gives of an invigorating
fragrance. The ornate purple, white and pink blossoms beautify
this garden. Be sure to make your way to Manito Park
in the spring and follow your nose to the Lilac Garden.