I know it’s a tough call…..and probably not even a fair question, but do you have a garden fav? Maybe it has some sentimental history, or was a handed down heirloom plant, or has the most amazing foliage ever!!! There are so many great reasons to LOVE plants, and I really don’t need to add excuses….I love them all. Really. I do! Even the stinky ones….or the pokey ones….or the garrish ones….or…..oh, you get the picture!

Admittedly, I get frustrated with a specimen from time to time, usually arising from my own inability to diagnose a cause of plant distress….this can range from powdery mildew, to plant rust, to leaf miners, to…..anything that makes the life of a plant miserable, thereby impacting mine. It is not the fault of the plant….some species are more susceptible to certain diseases, or predators, and some are destined to be part of a life cycle that is short indeed. Sometimes, it is inadequate soil nutrients, tilth, water….there are so many factors that play into plant health….

Honestly, I believe that most people do their best with the knowledge that they have, to aid the gardening process toward a healthy life. And now I can hear you saying “have you met people??”  Seriously, I don’t believe many embark on this task without some hope for the pleasure gained from healthy happy plants. Yes, I know that often, the hope wanes in the face of other things, and gardens suffer neglect etc, but, the initial thought is usually laid with good intentions……and now I hear you say…….

Nevermind. Favorite plant. What is it?

Anyone who has graced my garden in the summer knows all too well what my fav is: Lilies. Why? I don’t really know! I just love them. And I have a lot of them. My good friend, and next door neighbor, also shares my passion for lilies, so we have quite a nice showing in July/August.

Lilies are easy. They are so hardy in low zones, and survive unattended for years in old farm sites, and fields. They are a throw back for me. Growing up on a northern Alberta farm, our mother had just a handful of lilies that thrived in her garden beds. Our vegetable garden was ENORMOUS, and bordering it was a long stretch of perennials. The beautiful faces of what Mom called ‘Tiger’ lilies gracefully adorned this bed in 2 spots, fronting a treed area that provided a perfect green background. As children, we would play with the lily stamens, writing on one another’s arms and faces….which didn’t always go so well with Mom! Particularly, though, I loved the speckled blooms, that looked happy in their place.

Today, I have found a different Tiger Lily, but that is nevertheless…..Mom’s were what they were, and they were beautiful!  Of course, I have moved beyond the traditional orange, to house a few other colors, and always am intrigued by anyone’s lily patch! My family is equally enamored, and, happily, I divide up my babies regularly to share with my girls, and with my friends. To me, sharing is one of the great joys of gardening!!!

But, if you see me stopping for a long, hard look at your lily patch, don’t fret…..I’m just admiring…..until you see me pop the trunk for my garden spade, we’re good!