July 20, 2017

Staking the Lilies

My long, winding pergola will soon be filled with striking tiger lily blooms.

This pergola goes through several transformations during the year. In late spring, bold purple and white alliums cover the area, followed by the delicate shades of lavender and blue from the flowering clematis vines that wrap around each of the granite posts. And now, hundreds of lily stems line the garden bed. These flowers can grow very tall - many are more than six-feet. Most lilies have strong wiry stems, but those with heavy flower heads often need staking. In order to keep them looking their best, my gardeners, Ryan and Wilmer, use bamboo uprights and twine to give them added support. 

Here are photos of our process and the pretty lily flowers that grow around my home. Enjoy.