Alpenglow Gardens began in 2003 as a gift of 15 plants from Reva Ballreich, a local horticulturist. Like The Pied Piper, she led visitors through the acres of blooming lilacs in her collection of 800 varieties. Reva's enthusiasm and wonder of Syrigna vulgarus led me down the lilac path. Alpenglow Lilac Gardens opened in 2009. Over 200 lilacs which bloom in late April-may are located on a one acre
garden at the bast of Lily Rock in Idyllwild, California. The collection contains over 155 varieties from all over the world. Alpenglow is divided into 11 gardens honoring a specific theme or hybridizer. The gardens provide both an experience for the senses as well as a walk through the colorful history of the plant. General Collection Gardens
Located in 4 garden areas are lilacs from 44 hybridizers. Russian and Polish Garden
The Majority of plants were created by Leonid Koleshiov 1893-1973. Many of the varieties have multiple colors in the florets. Karpow-Lipski the best known Polish hybridizer created 22 important varieties between 1948 and 1962. Victor Lemoine Garden
As the father of the modern lilac he created over 200 new and wonderful lilacs, expanding the interest the world over. Created the French Hybrid or French Lilacs. Father John Fiala Garden
The best known American developer, Fiala created over 70 varieties in 40 years of work. Authoring Lilacs the Genus Syringa the contemporary study of lilacs, he also created some of the best blues ever. Reva Ballreich Garden
Reva played a pivotal role in expanding the International Lilac Society was was our own Idyllwild hybridizer who developed among many other lilacs Alpenglow, named for this garden and Spokane. Dr. Frank Skinner Garden
Dr. Skinner was a Canadian pioneer who further developed an early blooming Syringa hyacinthiflora which tolerates a warmer climate. be sure to see Pocahontas as almost flourescent purple.
