Lombard woman to chair Lilac Society convention
Anyone who knows Lombard resident Marymae Meyer, is in awe of her passion for the science and history of the plant which became Lombard's principle symbol nearly 100 years ago -- the lilac.
Her voluntary dedication to researching, documenting and cataloging Lilacia Park's historic collection was a prime factor in her appointment by International Lilac Society to chair the organization's 2011 convention in her hometown of Lombard and in her becoming a newly-elected director of ILS.
"It was learning from ILS experts about what it takes to preserve a living plant collection the way major world-class botanical collections do that inspired me," Meyer explained. "Jerry Budd, Lombard Park District's Horticulturist, is to be congratulated for excellence in caring for the lilacs. And Lombard Historical Society does a wonderful job of educating the public about the history of Lilacia Park. But neither of those are what I have been involved with. What I have undertaken is supplemental to Jerry's work. Preserving the provenance of the individual specimens entails a lot of paperwork way beyond that of ‘inventory.' In botanical collections that meet world-class standards, each plant's identity must be authenticated and the records kept accordingly. Imagine how impossible it would be for Jerry -- in addition to all that he does -- to sort through all sorts of historical and present day records, match records to plants then tie the records to the exact plant in its location within Lilacia, a living and ever-changing 100-year-old collection. That's why I volunteered to help.
"Lombard Park District leadership gave me their blessing and support, and three years later we are well on our way to finalizing a state-of-the-art 'Syringa-specific' records management tool for Lilacia Park's horticulturist," Meyer said.
April 28-30, 2011 is when ILS members will convene at The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center for their annual meeting, to examine and learn about Lilacia's collection and to share with one another all there is to appreciate about the lilacs, their care and culture.
A major draw of ILS members to every convention is the traditional lilac auction, the organization's primary fundraiser. Members who propagate lilacs donate specimens to be auctioned to other members as well as the public -- a generous act that requires meeting numerous advance logistical requirements of inter-state and international shipment of plants to ensure against transmission of disease. The public is invited to attend and participate in bidding for cultivars such as 'Mme Casimir Périer' and 'Michel Buchner' -- the two lilacs which Colonel and Mrs. Plum brought to Lombard from Nancy, France, 100 years ago. Registration for the auction is required.
A "Lilac Experts" panel discussion is another highlight of the convention, to be held April 30 at 9 a.m. at the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library where experienced lilac collection curators and cultivators offer advice and answer questions. A limited number of seats are available to the public and must be paid for in advance. The $25 fee includes the panel discussion from 9-11:30 am, lunch and pre-registration for the auction.
A hand-made quilt, compliments of the Lombard Meadowlark Quilters, will be raffled off with all proceeds benefitting the International Lilac Society. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and are available from Meyer.
Perhaps one of the most unique items to be commissioned as a result of the convention coming to Lombard is an umbrella, adorned with a photograph of lilacs.
“It is absolutely breathtaking and my favorite item so far,” said Meyer.
The umbrellas are due to arrive this month and are available for purchase exclusively from the Lombard Park District or any number of Lombard community not-for-profit organizations. The cost is $20 each and the project was made possible through West Suburban Bank.
Contributions from community organizations and businesses are still being accepted for the convention attendee goodie bags, as well as hospitality sponsors. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Meyer for more information.
Questions, tickets or reservations may be made by contacting Meyer at (630) 627-1686.