Tuesday, July 07, 2026

Lilies of the Day

Why give such gorgeous creatures names like ditch lily, railroad lily, roadside lily, outhouse lily, and wash-house lily? Outhouse lily? For heaven's lofty sake, such blooms deserve a little respect and more elegant monikers, names redolent of summer, sunlight and warmth.

Daylilies are sun worshipers of the highest order, and they don't open in cloudy weather, remaining tightly furled until the clouds roll away and the sun comes out. The flowers last for only a day, but what a show they put on in the garden, their spires rising from cool spinneys of arching green leaves, each crowned by gracefully swaying blooms with expansive golden hearts.

At first light, it is not uncommon for the daylilies in the garden to be wearing dragonflies - the little dears are waiting for the sun to warm their wings and grant them the power of unfettered, swooping flight. Could there be there a better place to warm up than a lily in bloom? I think not.

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