Lilac walking tours, lilac planting, and vegetable gardening workshops are just a few of the many fun things to do on May 16 at Shelburne Museum's Lilac and Gardening Sunday.
The daylong celebration of the museum's 400 lilacs in 90 varieties also opens a new season at Shelburne Museum. There are 10 new special exhibits including "Circus Day in America" and the art quilt exhibit "Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece."

The family-friendly day features live music and activities for all ages. Jeff Young from the University of Vermont will offer expert horticultural advice on lilacs. Representatives from UVM's Master Gardener program will be there with many of the presenters emphasizing organic garden and plant care.

The first 200 visitors will receive a free lilac seedling courtesy of Horsford Gardens & Nursery of Charlotte.

Presentations by gardening experts throughout the day cover many topics: garden consultant and local media personality Charlie Nardozzi with tips and advice for growing heirloom vegetables; landscape and garden designer Judith Irven on sustainable gardening, and Harold and Leila Cross of Crossview Gardens in Morrisville with insights into growing daylilies and hostas.

Lilac and Gardening Sunday is May 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shelburne Museum. Admission is $10 for Vermont residents and $5 for Vermont resident children. Admission for out of state residents is $20 for adults and $10 for children. For more information visit www.shelburnemuseum.org.

Sneak peek at Museum exhibits opening May 16
"Circus Day in America" is a captivating and lively look at the art and experience of the American circus circa 1870-1950. Using art, artifacts, photographs, and film, the exhibit evokes the sights and sounds of the circus coming to town.

"Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece" is a powerful tribute to victims of Alzheimer's expressed through textile art. The exhibit features 52 quilts, many of them made by quilters who have lost a loved one to the disease.

"Jay Hall Connaway: A Restless Nature" is a retrospective of an exceptional 20th century New England landscape painter whose work bridges the gap between the American realists of the 19th century and the modernists of the 20th century.

"All Fired Up: Six Ceramic Artists from Vermont" showcases unique artist-designed installations displaying a diversity of work and providing a window into contemporary ceramics. Featuring the work of Ray Bub of Pownal, Aysha Peltz and Todd Wahlstrom of Town Hill Pottery in Whitingham, Laura Zindel of Guilford, Stephen Procter of Brattleboro, and John Brickels of Essex Junction.

"Embellishments: The Art of the Crazy Quilt" exhibits fine and whimsical examples from the museum's renowned collection.