Title of stamp: Lilacs
Issue date: March 1, 2007

Lilacs: a sign of spring

Springtime in Canada ushers in longer days, warmer temperatures and—something we all find a beautiful sight—spring flowers. We know winter is truly behind us when we see colourful crocuses, delightful daffodils and iridescent irises begin to bloom. Another seasonal favourite is the lilac, a flowering shrub that’s not only a pleasure to look at, but also delights our sense of smell with its unique fragrance.

On March 1, 2007, Canada Post welcomed spring by issuing two domestic rate (52¢) stamps that feature two typically Canadian lilacs, photographed in their full glory. The pictures of the white 'Princess Alexandra' (Syringa vulgaris) and the pale purple 'Isabella' (Syringa x prestoniae), the two lilacs chosen for the stamps, were taken at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ontario.

Cultivated in 1874 by James Dougall, of Windsor, Ontario, the 'Princess Alexandra' was one of the first lilacs to be planted in Canada. Ottawa researcher, Isabella Preston, created the 'Isabella' in 1927 at the Central Experimental Farm, which is home to more than 700 lilacs and one of the largest collections in Canada.