Not Meant to Be

One of things that gets me through the cold, bleak winter months is the promise of spring. (Isn't it that way for most people?) The thing I look most forward to is the blooming of my lilac bush. It has never failed to produce gorgeous, delicate, fragrant blooms, perfect for displaying in a lovely crystal vase, or perhaps a sweet, shabby container. Lilacs make me smile, simple as that.

2008: A great year for my lilac bush

2009: Absolutely stunning

2010: Looking promising in early spring

2011: Lush and lovely

2012: Dainty and delightful

2013: Best year yet

This year, however, it is not meant to be. :(

Much of the bush looks like that: brown, drooping buds and half-open blossoms. I am not sure what the culprit may be--too much rain, perhaps? I've never had any problems in the past, as evidenced by the photos above, and the bush is basically left on its own to grow freely. (I've read that lilacs grow best when left alone, and it's worked well in the past.)

Things looked so promising just a week-and-a-half ago.

When I snapped those last two pics, I was so happy and hopeful about the status of this lilac bush. Now the best I can do is hope that it isn't a goner. I really hope that it recovers and blooms well next spring. I shall keep my fingers crossed.