Never before have so many beautiful lilies been available for our gardens. You owe it to the future of your garden to plant a selection of lilies, either this fall or early next spring. Bulbs will become available in a few weeks – late September and October- and can be had again next spring. The … Read more
Success with Lilies in Mid-America depends upon several specific factors. First, plant only top-quality, fresh dug bulbs. For top quality, you depend upon those you purchase; the best is the cheapest. “Fresh dug” does not mean cold storage bulbs that have been out of the ground for a considerable time. All commercially grown lilies are … Read more
The early cultivators of the gladiolus, though able to work with many species, were confined to a basic flower form in both spike and individual floret. In 1920 some thought that the limit in hybridizing gladiolus had been reached. But since then, so many new developments have been made that older varieties are now obsolete. … Read more
Suppose you consider the lily season practically over when Madonnas wither in June and regals shed their last petals in July. In that case, you may be amazed at the list of satisfying and beautiful August blooming lilies. Of course, the weather has a way of fouling up things, not only family picnics and BBQs … Read more
I like to buy history with my plants, and I was fortunate to get two adventure stories with the zephyr lily. The scientific name of this lily, Zephyranthes commersoni, links it with Bougainville’s expedition seeking new colonies for France after the loss of Canada in the mid-seventeenth century. Commerson, for whom it is named, was … Read more
Inscriptions of lilies have been found on vases and Assyrian monuments dating back to 1300 B.C. However, until recent years, hybridizers have entirely overlooked the lilies. History tells us that as early as 1535, our native meadow lily (Lilium canadense) was imported to England. For many years lilies were dug and shipped from their native … Read more
Lilies are very adaptable and will do well in the hothouse or pot. They are often grown in a commercial greenhouse before they’re delivered to the store to be bought. Pots also make for excellent homes for lilies of many types. But which option is best for you? No one can answer that question without … Read more
Lilies are hardy plants that are relatively easy to grow. But some, several diseases and pests can present challenges to that goal. Aphids Aphids are a common pest of many plants; unfortunately, lilies are no exception. They reproduce rapidly in the spring then the offspring begin to feed on any plant nearby. Their tiny bodies … Read more
Since its introduction to this country nearly one hundred years ago, the gold band lily, known to botanists as Lilium auratum, has been one of the most desirable and popular lilies. It well deserves the enthusiastic praise it has received from gardeners lucky enough to be successful with it. Unfortunately, many people are not able … Read more
Many years ago a doctor friend of mine had a Christmas card picturing a lovely garden with this quotation from Kipling beneath—”Such gardens are not made by saying, ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade.” That doctor is no longer young, but his interest in gardens and flowers has grown with the years. Not … Read more