Floral Reminder

Last year we visited the Royal Horticultural Society's queen of flower shows in London - the Chelsea Flower Show. It was almost surreal to be in the midst of incredible displays ranging from lilliputian rock garden plants to arbors of roses and masses of every other conceivable plant including orchids, proteas, vegetables, geraniums, clematis, lupines, etc. One of many show-stopping moments came when I cast my eyes at the magnificent lily display by H.W. Hyde & Sons and spotted 'Pink Brilliant,' a L.O.O. hybrid (it is a back-crossing with a Longiflorum x Oriental with another Oriental). Atop sturdy stems, its majestic flowers were truly massive and intoxicatingly fragrant. I purchased 2 bulbs and planted them last year, but the results were dismal - no flowers and stumpy stems. But this morning while strolling around our garden, 'Pink Brilliant' had just opened up two blooms and they are magnificently regal. To my delight, the second plant is about to open its buds as well. Gazing at the blossoms, I was immediately transported back in time to the Chelsea Flower Show and all the snapshots stored in my memory came to life again, just like my 'Pink Brilliant' lilies. It also reminded me that I need to order 'White Brilliant' because it supposedly bears trumpets that are even larger and just as fragrant as its pink cousin.