CHAPTER XVII 



THE GARDEN LILIES 



J"^HERE is a personality about the lilies as 

 distinct as that of the roses. They also 

 have their lovers, who grow them to the exclu- 

 sion of other flowers those who proclaim them the 

 king of flowers when roses are given the throne of the 

 queen. Indeed, it is without question that many lilies 

 are stately and very beautiful. The lily-of-the-valley, 

 on the contrary, one of the most generally beloved 

 connections of the family, has no air of kingship; for 

 it is not a lilium, although placed with them through 

 the power of association; rather it is the baby, the 

 innocent appearing, sweet flower that leads the liliums 

 in time of unfolding. 



Happily, almost all lilies do well in gardens near 

 the sea, although the taller varieties should invariably 

 be placed where they need not combat high winds. 

 Against the frosts of winter their bulbs also need 

 protection in the way of a fairly heavy cover of litter 

 composed of lawn clippings, very old manure, or even 

 ashes. Otherwise, they require no more care than the 

 average perennials. While there is a difference in 

 the taste of garden lilies, the majority of them like 

 a light, well-drained soil, and to grow where there is 

 shade under which they may nod their pretty heads. 



