Pull Some Anthers

I really have to marvel at the size, number, and beauty of the Simplon lilies this year. Standing taller than me, 5' 4", and with stems more than an inch thick, they are a sight to behold. Ed has been carefully removing the anthers keeping the fragrant white flowers pristine and pure. Since we have no plans to grow lilies from seed there's no reason not to have the blooms the way Ed prefers them. The bees can find pollen elsewhere.  Two daughter plants are growing near the base of these giants.  We will likely lift the new bulbs this fall.  Given the size of the parent plants, we will have to find a way to provide frost protection where they are.  Perhaps I can stitch a custom tarp that will ease right down over the wire cage.

There's no need to remove the anthers on the Stargazer lily. With all that bright pink color and all those spots a little pollen would never be noticed here. These lilies also possess a wonderful fragrance. It's nice to have blossoms from this one. Cold has nipped Stargazer in the bud for several years in a row.

 

These Turk's cap lilies were a gift from Janet and Jane. I'm not sure how many years they have been in our garden, but up till now we have never had flowers. One year an orphaned fawn bit off the bud cluster then spat it on the ground. Other years the lilies were content to produce black bulbils. I just love the way the flower petals curl back and let it all hang out. Pollen would have to go against gravity to fall on these petals. Blooming beautifully like this for days, these lilies have been a real treat, definitely worth the wait.  These three mark the end of our lily season.  All things considered, we have had a great lily display.

Last Of The Assorted Lilies

This morning at what was first light for us, Becky was looking out over our garden when she spotted a group of Baltimore Orioles flitting about the garden.  Not all of our scented flower buds were protected by bird netting so some were at risk.  Experience has shown us that these nectar sippers can destroy a set of lily buds in a heart beat.  I raced outside in my skivs stopping only long enough to slip on my green rubber garden shoes.  Whether the marauding  birds found my appearance frightening or funny is unknown but they left the garden at least for the day.   The newly opened lily shown here was for the moment safe.

Three years ago I purchased a three bulb lily assortment.  The catalog offerings of named varieties left me unable to chose just one so I went for the assortment.  No catalog claim was made that the assortment would include only the named varieties but that was my expectation.  Two of the bulbs turned out to be an unnamed orange spotted scentless lily.  It is hardy and prolific and I am pleased that it grows here.  The identity of the third bulb remained a mystery.  Past frost damage prevented flowers from forming and foliage growth was minimal.  It surprised us with its appearance this year.  Three buds formed and developed on a strong stem.  Stargazer is likely the identity of this lily.

Stargazer was the first lily purchased here.  Knowing little about protecting young growth, we lost these flowers after one season.  Now Stargazer has returned here and we will see if we can keep alive  for a few seasons.