The Garden At Rock Cottage by Lance Brilliantine

As summer pushes itself along on the East End, this has been a remarkable growing season. The rain and temperature have meant that plants have done very well this season, with an unusual lushness that is noticeable along roadways, in gardens and parks.

August is a time for lilies, and the display of Oriental lilies this season is proving to be outstanding. Lilies will grow wherever there is at least part-sun, though they prefer full-sun locations in the perennial borders. Because of their stately flower size and magnificent perfume, they can punctuate a garden in unique ways with an effect that other flowers have a hard time achieving. At Rock Cottage, we have more than a dozen cultivars that produce a colorful, fragrant display from mid-July through September.

Lilies are one of the easier plants to grow. Planting a combination of varieties can provide nearly continuous blooms all summer with minimal care. The bulbs produce large clusters of flower stems for many years.

While many plants are called "lily," only those that are in the genus Lilium are "true" lilies. These plants can be recognized by their fleshy bulb with overlapping scales and lack of a protective coating. Daylilies, which are quite popular in gardens, are not included in this group of plants. They grow from a rhizome instead of a bulb and provide no fragrance. The true lilies grow stiff stems and have narrow strap-like leaves that radiate along the stems. They produce large, showy flowers at the tips of stems. Lily flowers may be trumpet-shaped, bell-shaped, or bowl-shaped, and can also have reflexed flowers (petals that turn back on themselves). The flowers may nod downwards, or face outwards or upwards. They come in a variety of colors and many of them are wonderfully fragrant.

While it is too late in the season to plant bulbs before fall sets in, many varieties of lily can be purchased from local nurseries, where they have been grown in containers. This is actually a good way to get some instant gratification this year and to plan a location for future years. Be sure to ask for lilies that are rated hardy to Zone 6a if you live on the East End of Long Island. The Oriental lilies, which are in bloom now, have very large flowers and a heavy perfume.

If you plan to buy lilies for planting this fall, select them based on height, blooming time and color to provide longevity and variation. Some of the favorites at Rock Cottage include: 'Casa Blanca,' a pure white growing to five feet and blooming in August/September; 'Beige Beauty,' an ivory/apricot with purple spots that bloom in July; 'Dawn Star,' a cream-colored of two feet blooming in July; 'Black Beauty,' a dark red that blooms in August and grows to six feet; and 'Stargazer,' a three-foot crimson blooming in August. All of these have a wonderful, heady scent and are great as cut flowers.

Lilies can be planted from September through mid-October. Or, you can plant them in spring once the soil is workable. When purchasing, select only firm, plump bulbs that have roots attached. Plant them soon after purchase, as these bulbs do best when they are not permitted to dry out and become dormant. Late August is a good time to purchase bulbs from local nurseries or garden centers. This is also a good time to plan for mail ordered bulbs to be delivered.

All lilies do best when grown where they receive at least six hours of sunlight. They grow taller and spindlier and may flop over in partial sunlight. For the best results, plant lilies in groups of three-to-five bulbs spaced about six inches apart. Smaller bulbs can be planted four inches deep. Larger bulbs can be planted to a depth of six inches. Divide large clusters every three-to-four years after planting - when the blooms begin to diminish in number. Never plant lily bulbs where there soil is consistently wet, as this will result in rotting of the bulbs. The addition of some organic matter and the use of raised beds for planting lilies will add to the success achieved. Fertilize the bulbs once each spring with dehydrated cow manure and/or a phosphorous-rich, organic fertilizer.

No flower is more inspiring than lilies. Their magnificent blooms and scent transform a garden. If you have not tried planting lilies, this is an excellent year to start!

You can contact Lance Brilliantine with any questions or comments at GardenLance@yahoo.com.

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