Anybody ordering from B&D Lilies this Spring?

I love lilies, and especially those huge, sturdy, fragrant new OT ("orienpet") hybrids! Although I'm all for a bargain, as you know if you're in on the group buy of lilies from ADR (see http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1295595/ for details), all the reviews I've read of B&D say you get what you pay for, and more, when you order from them. Plus, they are lily specialists. And they grow their own. So.... I've never ordered from them before, but I think this is my "lily year," and I'm taking the plunge!

Is anybody else ordering from them this spring? What are you thinking of getting? Why are certain varieties on your wish list?

IF you'll be at the Mid-Atlantic Spring Plant Swap (May 18 at Jan's in NJ) or if you can swing by my home in Frederick after the bulbs arrive (in April), you are welcome to combine your order with mine to save on shipping. If we pick the same varieties, we might save an extra dollar here & there also on their multiple bulb discounts, but don't feel pressured to order what anybody else is ordering just for that. This isn't like the ADR lily order where we get big wholesale price breaks by ordering our lilies 25 bulbs at a time! Dmail me if you want to be part of this group order.

Please note that I really do NOT want to mail bulbs out. I'm too distracted these days to count on getting them out asap, and if they break dormancy they can be delicate to ship. You might still be able to split shipping if somebody else from your area posts that they're considering an order.

Let the Lily Chat begin! :-)

this time I'm saving an extra space in case I need it! LOL

I'm on board! I personally like shorter ones (don't fall over as much), and ones that perenialize well. I can't see the keyboard because the cat is blocking my view, so sorry about spelling.

Definitely 'Deliana',it's a longiflorum &oriental hybrid lily.'Muscadet' is a very good choice,turgid bounce back flowers,nice fragrance.Lilium auratum,I love it,pure beauty!I'll see who wants what before I put down amounts that I want. Well,off to bed.Night!

Do lilies need a lot of water to thrive? Would they do ok on my awful front hill? I don't want to provide a lot of supplemental water? Steep hill, clay soil, sun.

Just as a FYI for the fragrance folks out there - I'd kept some notes from Garden Gate's top 10 Classic Lilies a few years back. Here's the info:
'Scheherazade' "...sweet, spicy fragrance that permeates the garden" Fragrance "spicy"
'Silk Road': "...intense fragrance" Fragrance "spicy" NOTE - I had this one - she was as beautiful to the eyes as the nose http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/252545/
'Satisfaction' "...intoxicating perfume" Fragrance "strong"
Casa Blanca' "...sweet, spicy fragrance that permeates the garden" Fragrance "spicy"

Just at a glance:
I bet 'Gizmo' - Easter x Oriental Hybrid Lily Bulb, 'Pink Heaven' - Easter x Oriental Hybrid Lily, 'Triumphator' - Easter x Oriental Hybrid Lily, and 'Bell Song' (LO) - Easter Lily x Oriental Hybrid Lily smell heavenly since we all know the amazing scent of the Easter Lilies.


This message was edited Jan 29, 2013 11:13 PM

I've had both Scheherizade and Silk Road in the past and would love to put them in again. Their perfume definitely reached the deck -- a good 50 feet from my one-time lily bed! (That back bed had to be reclaimed from monstrous choking weeds after a couple years when I couldn't get out there... the lilies didn't make it.)

Scheherizade is on my "must have" list. I'll have to check out Sos's suggestions!

Happy, in my opinion, lilies are unattractive after they bloom and start dying out. The remains need to be hidden by other plants until it's time to cut back the lily stalks (which is not immediately after bloom and not down very low. I don't know if you can accomplish this on your slope, even if they'd grow there (which they probably would if you loosened the soil and planted them deep enouth.

Roses -- I realized I can't grow them there because they are deer candy, no? And do we ever have deer on our front street. The last thing I want is them lumbering up our front hill.

Count me in for anything fragrant, though I prefer plants that aren't tooooo tall.

This message was edited Jan 30, 2013 9:47 AM

Happy,I can testify that lilies do indeed grow in clay.Although Leaf gro added to soil will help.They don't need any extra water,but mulch them.As someone said,lilies like there heads in the sun with their feet in the shade.i plant mine with perennials.

Thanks, sos, but lilies are deer candy, aren't they? If so, I'm out of luck for my front hill....

Also, you'd really want to cut off the spent blooms, or they'd be an eyesore.. I'd say no lilies on that hill, maybe a clump in the upper or lower corner, where you can reach them.

Thanks -- I'll leave them in the back yard where the deer do not roam....

I'm way out in the country,rarely see a deer.With everyone near me armed and lots of dogs,on a busy road,I hardly ever see a deer.Stink bugs,now I have plenty of those.I've been growing lilies organically since 1997.

This message was edited Jan 31, 2013 11:23 AM

I've got a big deer problem, but last year my dad kept spraying my lillies and hostas every two weeks, alternating three different deer repellant brands. The lillies made it and the hostas were ok until early August when the deer finally chomped them to the ground. Thank goodness for a retired dad who is always looking for small chores to do!

Does anyone here practice organic gardening?Spraying and talking about those awful moisture crystals.

I'm not growing my lilies,or cherry trees ,or Magnolia grandiflora in a botanical garden.Lilies are beautiful ,even when there is half a stem showing.I garden as a hobby and have gotten pretty good at it.It helps me to not focus on the pain of my multiple sclerosis .

This message was edited Jan 31, 2013 3:44 PM

Sos, there are two schools of thought on the moisture crystals... here's a pretty good summary of the discussion: "There are studies showing that acrylamide [in extremely small amounts, if you check the references - Jill] is released from polyacrylamide after exposure to light and elevated temperature (6,7) while other studies concluded that acrylamide is not released from polyacrylamide during degradation (8,9). " (This quote is from a "green" web publication, so it's not biased in favor of a seller, rather the opposite. And it was *still* far from conclusive on the "danger." http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/2002/Polyacrylamide-Soil-Pesticides-Cummins8aug02.htm )

Polyacrylamide crystals (which are what I get from Watersorb) are much more stable than Polyacrylate (which is what's in disposable diapers). If they are heated to a high temperature and exposed to UV radiation, they may (or may not, depending on which study you read) release very small amounts of acrylamide. I don't think my garden is going to reach those kinds of temperatures. I'm not in favor of poisoning my garden, either. But on some things, you do some research, and you make your own decision. For instance, instead of using a copper spray, I use the Ortho garden spray when my tomatoes start getting a blight -- the copper spray is considered organic, but may be less effective and is definitely more toxic than the inorganic solution.

Here is Watersorb's explanation of differences in water absorbing polymers. http://www.watersorb.com/differences.htm

Personally, I maintain mostly organic practices... I will use an inorganic solution to a problem that is going to cause significant & lasting damage if I don't intervene, but I try other solutions first. I do use inorganic fertilizers (mostly time release pellets, like Osmocote) as well as compost, etc. The large population of various beneficial insects in our yard keeps most pest issues under control. I would love to find something to kill mosquitoes without doing in the butterflies, mantises, etc. By late summer, the mosquitoes (from the field behind us) are bad enough that I am tempted to bug bomb the yard... but I don't. I just use a lot of bug repellent and citronella/vanilla candles!

Anyway, I didn't mean to get off topic or start a debate... I just wanted people to know I wasn't trying to "peddle poison" by offering to split an order of moisture crystals when I got some more of them from Watersorb (which, btw, is Native American owned & operated, with an emphasis on protecting the environment.). I know they've worked magic in my garden, even more so in containers... but I'm not twisting anybody's arm... If you use them, we can get a better price at Watersorb than at Home Depot. If you don't use them, don't order any. Simple.

I disagree,I could state as much evidence that you have,but,forget it.I don't have any time for this forum anyway.

We'll get over it.

More info is always better... I was just dropping in to move my post above (and Tapla's previous statement on the other thread) to a new thread where we could discuss the pro's and con's of moisture crystals and other things. It doesn't look like it would be much of a discussion, though, so I'll let it stand as it is.

Some people drop in & out of this forum, some stay a while, and some pretty much take up residence. This is a wonderful community, in every sense of that word, and it's too bad when people leave in a huff. But as Roses said, we'll get over it.

Forums are about conversation. When folks lack the ability to share as well as listen to differing view points it doesn't make for much of a discussion. Further if diversified views communicated in a respectful/tactful manner offend an individual then 'leaving' is probably in everyone's best interest. To be perfectly honest - I'm still shaking my head wondering what the heck just happened in that 'exchange' - which wasn't much of an exchange. We are a welcoming family here...and like any family we all have our opinions. God knows Bec and I are polar opposites are many topics - hasn't affected our friendship in what? 7 - 8 years?

My opinion is this...if you're not going to be respectful...if you're going to be dismissive...THIS forum is not for you. If you're looking for a kind hearted yet spirited family-like forum...pull up a chair and join us.

Let's see,
Our Jill has three seed swap threads going (Thank God this isn't her first time round the block on this one even though it is never easy peasy!) And a side offer for those great markers in several colors and another side offer to split an order of Water sorb crystals. Oh, yes, there was also some caladium buzz and a Pine Tree order....Am I forgetting something?

And then still full of her bouyant energy, Jill took the bull by the horns, and persuaded a wholesale supplier to give her the same deal including free shipping for a very minimal first order by industry standards for lilies and glads! Because she still had a head of steam and some interested posters she added another more specialized lily order thread and expanded side orders for phlox 'david' and cocrosmia! (sp)

Hum. Does anyone else think this is rather remarkable even for remarkable, masterful Jill? I'm glad that Jill will have some help sorting bulbs but I have to say that just doing five kinds of garlic bulbs for 5 or 6 interested parties took hours of my time and "customer satisfaction" a couple of pounds of patience! Hats off to you Jill.

Herding cats, even if we are for the most part, most of the time a family-like kind hearted group full of respectful distinctly different gardeners isn't easy, but that doesn't mean that we all can't learn a little more each time to put our oars in the water and row in the same general direction for a while!

From my garlic bulb experience I can sat that it helps immensely if any one who posts has read through and considered what has already been posted. And, for me personally, it helps if a thread about garlic bulb orders stays on track.

Talk about head shakers, Chantell, how is it that two lily ordering threads even mentioned "water gel crystals"?????? Gita started the thread where this is being discussed very appropriately (http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1295008/) here in our Mid Atlantic forum if anyone has the time and inclination to discuss (respectfully) this or any of the other multitudes of soil components available in our gardening lives in our quests to have our plants and gardens and lives flourish.

Saddest to me, however, is that Jill felt it necessary to clarify for all of us that she is " not peddling poison" . Nope, No way, no how!

And, curiously, my family like forum, I am feeling a bit guilty for having asked a question /opinion of tapla on use of water crystals over on our soils thread and wondering if I am somehow to blame for unrest in the kingdom! At least this time I don't feel (like I have in the past) that I will be voted off the island! And even if I vote myself off, I know I can vote myself back on. Other than that, I can make better use of the "preview" and "edit" functions here and pray for serenity, courage and wisdom.

Judy

PS, I really don't know Sos well enough yet, but perhaps having MS makes one more aware , and sensitive to the ramifications of potential "poisons" for her personal health challenges. Like peanut allergy, a little bit can be too much.

Thanks,everyone??I did'nt know my knowledgeable views would be called disrespectful.I was commenting on an older post about moisture crystals!Some 'family' type gardening groups dissuade new members.I feel bad for you,I can sense all the support and positive feelings that you all have for Jill.I think she sounds very nice and qualified for your close knit group.I ,too am very knowledgeable,I didn't start landscaping my property,or gardening yesterday.I have dealt with many gardening companies,and suppliers.

This message was edited Feb 1, 2013 10:42 AM

This group was already established when I decided to get my feet wet here. I didn't think I'd have too much success because I wasn't thrilled when I had tried it elsewhere. If you can't make it here, you can't make it anywhere.

Words of encouragement? You don't know me well enough.I'm tougher than you think.All I wanted to do was to share in the price of bulbs.I know that you all worship Jill,but my savior is in heaven.Can I share in the order of bulbs or not?

We don't WORSHIP her, we like and love her and for very good reasons. Sure you can purchase bulbs here where we all like each other.

Ouch Roses lol cross posting here

Sos, I'm glad you are continuing to post here and personally haven't found any of your posts or comments 'disrespectful' and I do sense your love for gardening and extensive knowledge of most things bulbs!

Bulbs are not my forte or current interest so I'm only following these threads to learn and who knows, something that you say, or a picture you post may make me a lily lover by next year....this year garlic, next year lilies!

And. come join me over on the soil thread and share some of what you have learned about moisture crystals, etc (You, too, Jill!) as I have some follow up questions for discussion and learning if there is a way that better suits my personal gardening style and still achieves the moisture crystal promise of providing water to my plants when they need it. See you all over there
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1295008/

Judy (yep, another cross post slow typing)

Where'd that quote come from, Judy?

I don't think people's reactions above had anything to do with what Sos posted about lilies or moisture crystals, it was more the "forget it. I don't have any time for this forum any way." If you want to participate, you're welcome here. We all have grouchy days, and we were all once the new kid on the block. I don't think this needs to be a big deal, Sos, unless you continue to make it one. Making sarcastic remarks about worshiping me, and saying you feel bad for us if you decide to go... maybe just read through a few older threads and get a "feel" for this forum. I'd like to see this blow over, and I hope you'll come to the seed swap in mid-Feb.

Yes, the soil thread is probably a better place for discussion about the moisture crystals... there are definitely very polarized views about them. In many ways, it reminds me of the debate over using pressure-treated wood (now in the past, as I think most pressure treated wood is now done with a citrus compound).

Back to the matter at hand... LILIES!

:-D

Top of my list at this point are 'Scheherizade' (OT / orienpet hybrid) and 'Eyeliner'.

What else are people looking at?

I love the OT hybrids so much that I'll probably order several... just not sure which to pick!

Also, there's a 'Longwood' variety (double & fragrant asiatic? don't have the website open right now) that I'd like to have because I love Longwood Gardens, as well as just because it's pretty. I can't order everything pretty on their site -- I'd be broke, and there'd be more space for gardening out there (no more space for walking, either LOL).

I think that I'm really interested in the Black Beauty and Golden Stargazer again.

RRR - Black Beauty was the first lily I ever planted, and has performed great - even now that I have several other lilies, it is still my favorite. You've probably seen this photo already, but this is what it looks like in my garden for those that haven't seen Black Beauty before.

This message was edited Feb 1, 2013 5:36 PM

They are beautiful. I had some but I don't know what happened to them!!

Sos -- to your question about organic gardening, I really try to avoid pesticides and herbicides and the like (we use Roundup on poison ivy, but that's all I can recall for some years), but our yard is full of weeds. We have a huge compost pile. But then again (I am a bit embarrassed to admit that) I eat at McDonald's with barely a qualm, though I respect (and admire) vegans. I don't think there's any right and wrong about it. This is a great forum with wonderful people on it, and I hope you'll feel comfortable staying with us.

I'd love input from you lily growers as to which lilies are tough as nails and will perennialize. We have some Casablancas that have lived forever, but don't seem to expand. And some Dolly Madison's which I'm very fond of for their color. And many that I've killed and no longer remember.

Wow, I missed all this drama and just want to add one post. Yes, quite a few of us love and respect Jill no don't worship her just think of her as a much loved sister. She has been here probably longer than most of us and gives of herself tirelessly and with great enthusiasm. Many of us have walked her through some pretty tough times and she has done the same for many of us and we have supported many other members of the group during hard times in their lives.
These threads do seem to meander a bit and always have no matter how we try to keep discussions on track, so talking about water crystals on a Lily Order Thread isn't very unusual. I think that Jill and Chantell pretty much said it. We welcome everyone into the group and each person has different strengths to bring to the group and we like listening to different views and opinions. I have gotten a wealth of inspiration just talking about planning my gardens. Sometimes even if I don't think I like an idea or would use it, I find that it leads me down a path that I might otherwise not taken.
LOL Coleup, Yep I do think you belong in the MAF, I would miss your wealth of knowledge and wit if you were gone. Guess I will have to hang out a little more on the NEF when you move.
SOS, Stick around and test the waters a bit longer, there isn't anyone here that doesn't listen to another gardener we aren't an argumentative group and as Coleup pointed out maybe a bad day or some perceived slight. But the idea is to enjoy this group and if you are not enjoying it then look for another one that will make you happier. There are many great friendships to make here on DG. Holly

Came to the thread late and had to read the early exchanges to understand what's going on. Holly and many others have said what I wanted to say.

SOS, this is a group of very friendly and generous people. New members are welcomed to the group with open arms because we were all new at some point. We share garden knowledge, even when we do not always agree with each other. After all, we are all here to share and learn. Please do not take it personally if people have different opinions. Just each of us garden in different garden conditions and with different work schedules. I cannot imagine anybody in this group would think it is ok to freely pump poison into the environment, but not everybody has the good fortune of having an organic garden.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Can we all calm down?
This is a forum, no a debate.
Where is the wisdom?
I have butted heads with the best of them, but never questioned their dedication to sharing their experience as gardeners. I don't see this as complicated. State your experience and allow others to do the same.
We have lost one beloved member to his own opinion, or worse his health. We can't let disagreement poison our minds, gardening is in the soul. May your gardens flourish and may you love all of life as it is. Love ya'll, Ric