I have been lax on taking care of the plants this whole summer. It seems as if one thing or another has gotten in the way and anything not on that "priority" list fell to the wayside. I feel bad about it but, at the same time, feel there was no need in pushing myself beyond feasible limits. I am getting old. Today, however, as I meandered back behind the old greenhouse to the grape arbor, I was greeted in the most pleasant way. The lycoris lilies were in full bloom...at least as much of "full" bloom as was possible in view of the recent chomping by the Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers. Those things are relentless! The lilies proved stronger and were simply gorgeous. The golden color is a perfect touch for the hint of fall that we are enjoying.
These particular lilies were from a few bulbs that I received some 30 years ago from a dear friend. Ms. Twin (yes, there were two and they were both "Ms. Twin") had dug up some of her bulbs just to share with me. This sweet elderly lady knew I loved flowers of any kind and knew that she had the perfect gift...one from the heart. I was elated and immediately planted the bulbs. They have bloomed every year since and always remind me of the dear friend. Sadly, she passed only two years after gifting the bulbs to me.
The lilies are in the same family as the Red Nerine lilies that are so abundant across the Deep South. They have a dozen or so names including Lycoris Lily, Nerine Lily, Spider Lily, Jersey Lily, Guernsey Lily and even Naked Lady Lily (due to the lack of leaves...not clothes.) The spotting of the lilies gave me a much needed lift this morning and I was able to continue the day with a bit more ambition that before. I figure if the lilies could fight against the drought and grasshoppers then I should be able to fight against the tiredness that wracks the body. Never doubt that somewhere hidden among the trials is an answer that can make everything right again.
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