My apologies to the genus Lilium

Last year I discovered Ditch Lilies (Hemerocallis fulva) growing in my yard and I took it upon myself to tell the world how I disdained all lilies.  This year I would like to apologize.  I thought my complaints against Lilies were legitimate.

• I don't like the shape and size of lilies.  They're all flower and no leaves.  I feel like I need to 'hide' them behind other plants so they don't look so awkward.
• They stink.  The smell from an Oriental Lily makes me physically nauseous.  
• The colours appear artificial to me.  Lilies are a very hybridized plant and the colour combinations seem overly done up to me.  I like a little less make up on my girls.

But here's the kicker.  I'm terribly fickle.  Show me a pretty face and I'll change my mind in a heartbeat.

When I made a plant order earlier in the spring I was looking for deep red flowers and what did I find but Martagon Lilies.  Stunning deep red and 50% off so I took a chance and ordered three bulbs.  They did not disapoint.

These lovely little red beauties captured my heart and I actually cursed myself for not buying more.  But this is a trial with a new plant so I did not want to buy too many.  I know that voles really like Lily bulbs so wire baskets had to be constructed for the bulbs to live in.  If they survive through the winter I can think about purchasing more next year.

Lily baskets were made with hardware cloth and wire snips

When I received the mail order there was a mistake with processing and as an apology the company sent me some free plants.  A bag full of Asiatic Lily bulbs!  I shook my head in disbelief.  Of all the plants to send me, Lilies!!  I don't even like Lilies!  Yet more baskets had to be constructed.  

Jody stepped in to help make the baskets

Finally the lilies were planted and they did not do well.  It was a wet wet spring, (actually it's been a wet wet summer too) and slugs did some major damage killing several of the plants.  Not to worry though because I don't care for lilies anyway, right?

Well this past week I took a stroll in the garden and what did I spy hiding behind the asparagus.

The lilies have started to bloom.  So I took a closer look

And that is when I lost my heart completely.  Did I say I don't like lilies?  NO.  Who could dislike this perfect bloom?!  Not me!  I couldn't have picked a nicer plant if I had tried.  The creamy blossoms tinged with green are breathtaking.  Hide them behind another plant?  Never.  They live outdoors so who cares about smell. When can I order more?  Well, I'll have to wait until next spring.  In the meantime I'll be making more bulb baskets.