Question
Last summer my daughter bought me a lilac shrub/bush/tree-PLANT...it had a few dried up florets on it ...we planted it...come winter we wrapped in burlap, staked it against wind etc...spring time came we furloughed the plant, watered it ...and it has double in size ...healthy and green -but not a flower on it...not even a hint of one....my neighbours plants have long since bloomed and died off already...what have I done wrong?????

Answer
Hi Ruth,
Thanx for your question.  I don't think you did anything wrong.  I think the shrub is becoming acclimated to its surrounds.  Sometimes a transplanted shrub will not bloom for one or two seasons until it is firmly acclimated to its environment.  I believe your lilac will bloom next season.  Try ammending the soil with a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium as opposed to nitrogen.  Your local nursery should have some fertilizers rated for flowering shrubs.  Follow the directions on the container.  I hope this helps.
Tom