This may be my last new lily of the summer.

It's August and my lilies are just about done. Oh, there are a few stragglers but they are all on plants that have already had numerous blooms. I don't think there are any surprises left. Ah, but it was fun while it lasted. When you grow lilies you have both a bit of history and bit of twentieth century creativity. Lilies have been grown for thousands of years but it was not until about halfway through the last century that the hybrid revolution took root. It's no accident that my lilies are extremely robust. They were bred to be that way.

They just keep blooming. Yes!

The first time I went to Horner Lilies, I went a little crazy. I know you will find this hard to believe, but I went a little overboard. I bought lots, as you now know if you've been following this blog. My wife wasn't so keen. Lilies, she said the name with a certain air of contempt. They're the orange flowers that grow like weeds everywhere, she said.

Well, someday I will defend those lovely orange flowers but today there is no need to launch a defence. My wife is in love, yes with me (blush), but also with my lilies. I think you can see why. If you live in the London area, visit Horner Lilies on-line, or even better go and see their lilies in person. And remember the lily beds are only open for viewing until the end of July, I believe. Horner Lilies is located near Thamesford northeast of London. (This is not an ad. I get nothing for plugging these folk other than the pleasure of getting out the word.)

My first lily of the year

I am not a gardener. I plant 'em; I kill 'em; I plant 'em agin'. Juanita, a lady with whom I worked at the paper, encouraged me to plant lilies. One of the best suggestions I have every been given. If you live in London, check out the Horner Lilies Internet site. Located northeast of the city, Horner Lilies has over a hundred different lily hybrids in numerous flower beds. I bought some day lilies and some Asiatic varieties, too. Come back next week and I will post some of the other lilies as they open. Lilies add a great splash of colour to any garden, I have them at the front of my home. And, they seem rugged. Gotta luv 'em.

Photo tip: Many digital cameras have trouble accurately recording hot colours, like reds and oranges. Try to underexpose slightly, maybe half a stop, and do not over-enhance. Even setting a highlight on the main flower can be quite damaging to the image.