Report From An Opinionated Gardener – July 20
Four years ago, when I knew I was moving from my garden of 16 years, I dug most daylilies that were on the property and potted them before we put our house on the market. I labeled them with numbers so that I could group like varieties in the new gardens at Poison Ivy Acres. It was fall and I didn’t want to take the time to figure out what varieties I was potting.
Now, four years later, I find myself looking at these beautiful perennials and asking myself, “Is that ‘May Colvin’ or ‘Hall’s Pink’?” And does it matter? “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” There’s a reason that Juliet’s question from Shakespeare’s play is a common saying today.
I have to confess that part of my desire to know which daylilies I have comes from my wish not to feel totally stupid when someone asks, “Which variety is that?” Beyond not appearing clueless, however, is the satisfaction of knowing something, or someone, by name. It’s a way of being connected on a slightly deeper level.
Be they plants or people, it’s nice to be able to address those you see frequently in a personal way.
'Carolyn Criswell' is looking fine right now,
As is my favorite coral, 'South Seas'.
I think this one is 'Hall's Pink'.
