Dazzling First Daylilies

As a child of the fifties growing up in Newfield, N.Y., walking to school placed me close to sewage in the roadside ditches.  In areas where only the moisture gathered, orange Daylilies grew in great numbers.  Clever children that we were, they were named sewer lilies.  As an adult gardener, I had no interest in placing sewer lilies among my coveted plants.  Susan of Afton needed to clear out some of her plants and three different varieties came home with us.  Their varietal names have long ago been forgotten but their mixed coloration made Daylilies worthy of a second look.

Destined To See was the first fancy lily purchased.  The simpler structure of the single flowers resulted in their widespread presence at Stone Wall Garden.  Ruffled edges and pleasing scent are considered necessary characteristics for new purchases.  This plant has been divided once and if the new ground is ready next spring it will be divided again.  Many winter hours were spend with plant catalogs considering which would be planted here and our first choice remains among the plants we truly treasure.

Aurora Raspberry displays the coveted characteristic of pie crust edging.  It is hard to believe that this beautifully complex flower will last for only a single day.  Many find the dead blossom remains prohibitively ugly and therefore do not grow these plants.  We find a mid-morning walk among the flowers peaceful and snapping off the spent flowers is simply another reason to sample the scent and sight of newly opened flowers.

Molokai is perhaps the most vigorous of out many varieties.  Planted in a bed that was taken back by the quack grass, Molokai fought the invaders and relished transplantation.  Twice divided, the hardiness and clear bright yellow color make this a favorite here.  Once again a ruffled edge completes a beautiful picture.

Chicago Arnie's Choice is another early purchase.  Its hardiness alone makes it a candidate for division.  Now we understand Susan's need to find new homes for plants that are overcrowding their allotted space.  Several people have expressed their willingness to take our extra plants if we dig, divide and deliver them.  Somehow working with plants that will remain here seems a better use of our time.

Daylilies Center Stage

Destined To See is our first purchased daylily.  It has held this spot inside of the stone square since 2008.  The color combination, crinkled colored petal edge and scent made this plant irresistible.  All expectations have been exceeded with this one.  We could divide it to increase the number of plants but for now we will leave it alone.

Daylilies and Orientals are in competition with each other for top billing in our garden.  Clarity of color is a trait that usually favors the Orientals.  Hardiness in our harsh climate makes daylilies a winner here.  This Big Bird's pure color can successfully compete with anyone.  It will hold a place in our garden.

Blueberry Candy is new to us this year.  Every catalog that we have seen pictures this variety with white petals.  The descriptions characterize the petal color as creamy or rose.  The petal edge should have a thin stripe the same color as the eye.  What we have is less than what we expected but we find this plant a pleasant addition to our garden.  Next year it may be closer to type.

Nanuq is another plant in its first year here.  We are impressed with its flowers.  Pale yellow colors the newly opened petals but they quickly change to white.  It appears to be two different plants.  A bright pale yellow flower greets an early visitor while a nearly pure white flower is on display later in the day.

Gentle Ed was our extravagant purchase this year.  We usually shop the sales.  Close attention has been directed toward Gentle Ed as it attempted to bloom.  It did fail to completely open its first two flowers.  Daily watering has helped produce a perfect flower.

Yesterday the entire day was spent carrying water to the plants.  We use the two sprinkling can delivery system since our water comes from our own well.  With the cans all of the water is directed at the base of the plants.  Some of the garden did not get any water since the need is greater than our ability to deliver.  No rain is in the ten day forecast.  We must accept the fact that some of our plants are going to die in this drought.  Better them than me.