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Lilac Festival at Ellwanger Garden
May 10, 2014 - May 18, 2014
Free Admission, donations acceptedWhile you’re exploring the lilacs at Highland Park, escape the crowds and stroll over to the Ellwanger Garden on Mt. Hope Avenue.
New hours this year! The Ellwanger Garden will be open daily during Lilac Festival, May 10-18
Monday – Friday – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday– 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free admission, donations accepted.
Along with the beauty of the garden, additional activities (weather dependent) will be taking place on the grounds as well.
Monday May 12 – Professional photographer David Boyer will be on hand to offer tips on photographing flowers and plants – whether you are using a camera or your phone
Tuesday through Friday – Individual members of the Striking Strings Hammered Dulcimer Group (directed by Mitzie Collins) will provide live acoustic music, floating over the garden. On Wednesday the 14th they will be joined by an acoustic guitarist.
Thursday – Watch watercolorist Mary Nicosia create a painting live, as she paints en plein air (in the open air.)
What’s the Lilac Festival Connection?
The altruism of George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry changed the face of Rochester. Their gift of 20 choice acres prodded the city to form the Parks Department in 1888. The 20 acres were the start of Highland Park, location of the world famous “Lilac Festival” each May.
The success of the Rochester nursery trade, as exemplified by the Mt. Hope Nursery, earned Rochester the title “The Flower City.” The Lilac Festival maintains the heritage of that name, and Ellwanger Garden gives you the chance to experience the inspiration of that heritage.