Holden, MassachusettsOrange daylilies like this one abound everywhere I look. They are also known as “ditch lilies”, as they thrive in neglected areas like drainage ditches, fields, and railroad tracks. These humble plants are very hardy and extremely easy to grow. They don’t mind poor soil, tolerate pollution and drought, and prevent soil erosion. Ditch lily blossoms are edible, and sometimes cooked in a similar manner to squash blossoms.
The ditch lily softens and adds interest to this fieldstone foundation.
Asiatic lilies take up where the ditch lilies left off. Unlike the ditch lilies that grow from roots, Asiatic lilies grow from bulbs, are are highly prized for cut flowers. Here the lilies are placed in front of a spirea bush for contrast.The aptly named “candy corn” spirea picks up on the orange theme with leaves that change from green to orange to red over time.Candy corn spireas are topped off with raspberry blossoms.
Here, the Asiatic lilies contrast with evergreens nearby, lending a more “Eastern” feeling.
The plain ditch lilies thrive in front of a hemlock tree and a bucket of flowers. (The flowers in the bucket are fake, having been placed there earlier for some needed color, but are surely not necessary now. ) Hurrah for orangeade in July!
