The Governor's Lilac Commission was established by Governor John H. Sununu in 1984 to promote extensive planting of lilacs throughout the state. In an effort to help beautify New Hampshire's highways, the Commission has taken on the additional responsibility of purchasing and assisting in planting wildflowers. Because of these efforts, Governor Stephen Merrill renamed the Commission on August 1, 1995.
The Governor's Lilac and Wildflower Commission was established to:
- promote extensive plantings of lilacs and wildflowers throughout the state for the pleasure and use of residents and visitors.
- involve agricultural, educational, and horticultural programs in planting and propagating lilacs and wildflowers for local community projects.
- encourage the efforts of state garden clubs in lilac and wildflower programs.
- coordinate garden clubs efforts with state, town, and city planting and maintenance programs.
- solicit the help of service clubs and commercial groups or individuals to assist financially or by donations of plant materials to local schools FFA Chapters, 4-H Clubs or other youth groups participating in local lilac and wildflower programs.
- utilize the newer varieties of lilacs developed at the University of New Hampshire to extend the season of bloom and to make available information on good cultural practices for growing lilacs to insure the best possible results.
- provide a memorable experience for tourists visiting the state.
- develop information on the establishment, maintenance and rejuvenation of wildflowers along highways and in communities for public enjoyment.
Commission Members:
- Guy Giunta, Jr., Commission Chairman
Landscape Specialist Supervisor, NH Department of Transportation
W-603-271-6476 H-603-286-4844 - Richard L. Barker, PhD
Former Curriculum Consultant, NH Department of Education - Elinore Cushing
Past President, NH Federation of Garden Clubs - Brian Gallagher
SAU 28 – Windham/Pelham, Business Manager - Darrell Gerry
Lilac Enthusiast, NH Department of Employment Security - Larry Pelland
Public Relations - Owen Rogers, PhD
Professor of Plant Biology, University of New Hampshire - Barbara Rollins
Landscape Design, NH Department of Transportation - Paul Rushlow
Belknap County Cooperative Ext., Advisory Council, Chairman - Member at Large
The Current President of the NH Federated Garden Clubs - Member at Large
The Current President of the NH Plant Growers Association
Honorary Members:
- Barbara Ashley
Lisbon Lilac Festival - Helen Davis
Past President, NH Federation of Garden Clubs - Martin Mitchell
Former Supervisor, State Department of Education - William Nehring
Former Commission Chairman (Deceased) - David Seavey
Former Educator of Agricultural Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension - Gale Thomson
Former First Lady, State of New Hampshire