I moved into a house about 10 yrs ago and there was a huge lilac bush in the front yard, but VERY over grown with branches that hung out every where. I didn't want to cut the bush down because I love lilac but I needed to really trim it. I only cut off branches that looked dead or totally dry nothing that was green and only from the sides nothing from the top so I thought it would be ok (I am no where near a gardening expert) but for the past few years it has gotten less and less bloom. Is it totally gone or do I just need to wait it out. It hasn't gotten a really good bloom in the past 6-7 yrs. I'm wondering if I should just give up but I keep thinking next year it will be better. Any suggestions??

Right after I moved in, like a couple weeks, they built duplexes five feet from my back fence, and on a hill so they can look right into my windows and my back yard. Then the neighbors come out with beer and cigarettes and watch me. The first day they were there, they called the city on me on a weed violation because my grass was getting tall from the heavy spring rains and I hadn't bought a lawn mower yet. Oh, yeah. Real nice people. Since they moved in, my property values have dropped $10,000. I want to get a lock on my gate, too. My pansies and viola were blooming spectacularly. Then I found big boot prints in the middle of the patch, and the flowers look like they were sprayed with something. Anyway, that's why I need real tall, fast-growing lilacs.

I think that you have 'Syringa x prestoniae 'James McFarland' Â Rosy-purple buds open to vibrant, true pink flowers in large pyramidal panicles. Blooms 2 weeks later than most lilacs. Grows to 8-10' tall x 6-8' wide. I used to have this bush and I loved the scent of the blooms. Chervil2

Cori Ann: would you mind updating us on how you tamed, and disguised the awkward growth habit of Yves Piaget? I would love to see how it’s been doing for you? Also how many blooms do you normally get in one flush, and how many flushes do you get throughout the season? I’m looking for a rose similar in color with romantic bloom form... I was seriously considering Yves Piaget but then once I saw it’s awkward growth habit I’m re-thinking my idea. I’m in Orange County, California about 6 miles from the ocean. I’ve had my eye on this rose for years, but could not figure out how I would deal with its wonky tumble weed like growth habit. The blooms on your Yves Piaget arrangement are stunning! It’s incredible you got that many blooms from one plant. When ever I’ve seen Yves Piaget, it’s only had a handful of spade blooms... if that.