They were huge and very neglected when we moved in. I've pruned them back hard and they are doing quite well. Here's last years pictures And heres the other one by the house. It used to be huge as well but I cute it back as there is a window on the other side of it. I couldn't see out the window!
I too love lilacs. So far my success rate isn't very good. Part of the problem is my husband and the weed trimmer. He gets too close - doesn't kill them but stunts them. It has gotten to be a joke between us and our neighbor - when he comes over he has to comment on the lack of growth of my lilacs.
