Common Lilacs (Syringa) are starting to bloom up here in the north.

The blooms are crowded with butterflies and bees. The ones in the pictures are Common Yellow Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) and Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) which both are common for the region.

I just love the smell of the lilacs. It is simply intoxicating. The variety we have is an old one and has been here more than hundred years.