Tuesday, May 8, 2018

The Lilac Lady

"Hulda Klager was two years old when her parents brought her to
America from Germany in 1865. The family moved to Woodland, WA.
and purchased a farm in 1877 when she was thirteen.  Her home,
built in 1889, is located on four acres of the original farm.

Even though Hulda was busy with the demands of home, marriage, and
family she was able to make time for her flowers.

While she was recovering from an illness in 1903, she received a book
about Luther Burbank.  His work to improve plants through propagation
caught Hulda's attention. Her own first tests began with an apple tree
at the farm. Hulda's work with lilacs began in 1905. By 1910 she had
14 new varieties to show for her efforts.

In 10 years she had enough varieties to host her first open house during
the spring bloom. She continued this event until her death in 1960.
As her reputation grew, Hulda became known as the Lilac Lady."
The sitting room above is where she greeted guests and served tea.

Tea served in her bedroom.

In the closet there were several dresses and quilts on display.
There were quilts displayed throughout the home.

It was beautiful day to walk in Hulda's garden.
I could definitely sit and dream here in that distant chair.
www.lilacgardens.com for more information

It was a perfect day to smell the flowers.

8 comments:

Linda d said...

Wonderful story. I will have to go there when I visit my son next.

Red Rose Alley said...

What a charming home she has. Love the kitchen, and the bedroom has a calm feeling about it. The quilts caught my eye, as my sister sews quilts, and I've always thought it was such a talent. I'm glad you had a relaxing day visiting the garden, Marilyn. It's so peaceful there.

~Sheri

The Victorian Girl said...

I would LOVE to go there! We don't get to enjoy lilacs down here in Texas!

wisps of words said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, how wonnnnnderfullllllllll...... -sigh-

How I would love to have accompanied you.


Oh thank you for this beautiful post!!!!!

Jeanie said...

Oh Marilyn, this story is fascinating and the home is so beautiful. Yes, I would have like to have joined you on this field trip, enjoyed time in the garden and lovely home. What a special day.

Lorrie said...

What a lovely legacy Hulda left. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it.

Rosemary said...

How interesting. Love the displays in her home - such vintage treasures. And the lilacs.... what a delicious fragrance! Ours just fully opened this week and I stand and pause by the lilac to simply breathe!

Tracy said...

Oh, this was a lovely step back in time... this place is so soul-soothing! I could live there... LOL! love that lilac paper in the sitting room...How pretty the kitchen...and the dresses *swoon* .... Such wonderful photos, Marilyn--that last one could be a postcard! So glad you too us along. :) ((HUGS))