Deluge of Daylilies

I was able to attend the AHS National Daylily Conference and had the experience of a lifetime. The daylilies were amazing and the ‘daylily’ people were even more amazing.

Here we go!! Getting on the tour bus filled with daylily anticipation.

A wonderful time was had by all.

It was inspiring to see the gardens filled with blooms and ideas. I was so awe-struck, that I at times didn’t remember to take pictures. It took me awhile to get into the swing of it!

The garden design at each garden we visited , along with the garden artwork was of great interest to me. Besides the daylilies, of course . From bird houses, to fence ‘decor’ , I just couldn’t get enough.

Although the weather was hot, and peak daylily season was early and therefore the gardens that we toured were slightly past peak bloom time, it was still absolutely beautiful.

The conference was held this year in Columbus, Ohio. We were able to tour 8 different gardens, each one unique and filled with daylilies. This year’s theme was Discover Columbus’ Passion for Daylilies, and you can see that theme brought out with the sails on the dock. I thought they were totally cool and had to get a closer look.

This was the 66th annual convention. On the first day we toured MarLee Farms, Deep Ditch Gardens, the Osman Garden and Franklin Park in Columbus. The second day of tours included Hensley Garden, Angel’s Paradise, Amity Abloom and Heavenly Gardens.

A very special guest was visiting Deep Ditch Gardens the day of the tour.

I loved the bottle tree!

Guess I had better post some pictures of the daylilies! This is Stargate Portal.

Seven Seals

The Osman Garden included an area devoted to women hybridizers . Sally Marcum was on our bus, and I was lucky to get her to pose behind her sign.

Substantial Evidence, by Richard Norris of Ashwood Gardens.

Richard was also on the tour bus, and it was very nice to meet him and his wife.

His daylily, Pigment of Imagination, was a real stand out on the tour. I have never seen such a color variation on a daylily. ( I feel an order coming on!)

Well, Richard had to pose with his daylily, everyone wanted a picture!

The residential garden, Hensley Garden, was spectacular to view. Amazing what can be done with a suburban lot. The plantings were so well planned and the flow through the gardens was wonderful.

More daylilies. This one caught my eye, Tropical Pirate. We had a little bit of rain the second day of tours, but really it was just a drizzle. Much more rain is needed.

More views from the gardens.

Talk about Garden Art! Look at this!

I’m very certain that everyone went home with new ideas for their own gardens, I know I did!! The deluge of dayliles, the garden art, and the design and layout of the gardens were inspiring. If you have a chance to go to the AHS National Convention, or even a regional tour, don’t pass up the opportunity.

CHEERS TO ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING OF THIS YEARS NATIONAL CONVENTION !!!