I was looking around my garden the other night and noticed bright splashes of orange throughout the landscape. A little tucked behind the pond. Some within the shade garden, some under the maple trees in front. One would think that I had a passion for simple, plain day lilies, but such is not the case. I just can't kill them. I got my first bit of lilies from my Mom (probably everyone did). We stuck them behind some iris so we could have blooms in spring and summer. Then I needed a little something to fill in behind the hostas I planted. Then another garden then another. The lilies always can stand a dividing no matter what time of year. And they always survive.
I know if I place them anywhere in the garden they'll survive. (Who sings that great disco song "I will survive?")
But the lilies are not ugly nor plain looking either! The long slender leaves add texture. The blooms, as their name says, burst open in orange flame for one day -- only to be taken over by another the next.
According to many, they also taste good. Peppery I heard one chef say. Although I'm pretty risky when it comes to the kitchen, I've never eaten a lily.
What to you think of day lilies? Should a Hennepin County master gardener admit to enjoying having them in my garden?
