Lily Garden
PurposeTo demonstrate varieties of genus Lilium that grow well in this area.HabitatWatering requirements on this full-sun site for lilies are light to moderate. The original silty marine clay (Saanichton) soil was modified by rototilling in about 10 cm of coarse sand and 20 cm of leaf mulch before any lilies were planted. A top dressing of leaf mulch is added annually.FeaturesIn this simple garden, varieties of lilies that are suitable for this climate are selected so that there are blooms from late spring through mid-fall. Larger shrubs are used to create partial shade for some Oriental varieties that prefer this habitat.PlantsThe family Liliaceae contains hundres of species of garden ornamentals and vegetable that range from Easter lilies through onions to asparagus. The plants most people refer to as lilies are all in the genus Lilium.Lily specialists work with nine divisions of plants within this genus; most of the varieties found in this garden come from the following three major categories; Asiatic lilies are upright, compact growing plants that flower with a wide variety of bright colours from early June to mid-July. Popular examples include 'Tiger Babies,' a pendent, flowering, orange variety, and 'Connecticut King,' a bright yellow performer. Trumpet lilies, also called Aurelian hybrids, flower during July. Generally larger than Asiatic lilies, many are also fragrant. Colours range from white, through yellow, orange, and red to purple. Two solid performers are 'Anaconda,' an orange variety, and 'Black Dragon' with its striking white and purple blossom. Oriental lilies are similar to trumpets in colour range and fragrance, but they tend to be a bit flashier and generally bloom later; some varieties are showing flower at the end of September. 'Casablanca' is an example of a fragrant, pure white, lily, and 'Pink Elegance' lives up to its name. Many new lily hybrids are being developed. Two of the most important groups of new hybrids are Orientpet, which are crosses between Oriental and Trumpet lilies, and L-A Hybrids, which are crosses between Lilium longiflorum and Asiatic lilies. Look for examples of these hybrids in the new garden established 2003. MaintenanceLilies supply an abundance of garden colour for a modest investment of time and garden knowledge. They need to be mulched and heavily fertilized, and the bulbs dug and separated every four or five years. They are not very disease prone, and what problems do occur tend to be solvable with simple remedies, such as Safer's Pesticidal Soap.Lilies can be easily propagated from bulbs that appear on the stems of leaves or from bublets that appear between the bulb and the soil surface. With a little more trouble they can be propagated from the scales of bulbs. Even the development of hybrids from seed is within the range of an enthusiastic amateur gardener. HistoryIn the mid-1980s, Gordon Wallis began planting a lily demonstration garden on another part of the HCP site. Soon afterwards the Jardine family provided funds for this project, and the memorial plaque you see in Ann's Garden across the path garden recognizes this support. In 1993, the garden was moved a more suitable area, and the Lily Society of Victoria became involved. In the winter of 2002-2003, the garden was moved to its third, and hopefully final, resting place.SupportThe Lily Garden is developed and maintained in accordance with a partnership agreement between the HCP and the Lily Society of Victoria.Contact personGordon Wallis (250) 479-6581 |
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