From Mimi...

I have been a gardener most of my life. I grew up on a farm in South Carolina in an era where we grew most of what we consumed. We canned any vegetable or fruit that was too plentiful to eat all at once. We also raised most of the meats we enjoyed - what is now called "free range". I grew up with the words of my ancestors that "if you are good to the earth, it will provide you all you need to survive". A concept that is fast fading with all of the frozen foods and easy access to markets.

Along life's journey came other interests, work, marriage to a wonderful man, great children and equally wonderful grandchildren. Through all of the ups and downs associated with life in general, I never lost my love from growing things. It has been therapy for me as I always find peace in the garden. I have even been known to garden by the light from a street lamp when daylight hours were cut short by other responsibilities.

I love beautiful foliage plants and the tropicals we grew in North Palm Beach, FL. I grow quite a few in Jacksonville although, as we age, protecting them in winter gets harder.

Bob and I first started with daylilies after we moved to Jacksonville some 27 years ago. We receivied about eight daylilies as a gift from a friend which we enjoyed for several years with no bother. One day, while looking in a gardening magazine, I saw an advertisement for Daylily World. I called and spoke to David K and he sent me a catalog. The rest is history.

I started out as simply a collector and purchased those that appealed to me. That continued for a few years until our grandson Chris was old enough to express his own opinions about what he liked and didn't like. He was about nine at that time. He has been following me in the garden since he was three. Those of you who know me know that I am a very doting grandmother. He started making crosses, entering shows, and generally making his own decisions about "his" garden. He traveled to meetings and to conventions with Bob and I and won a great many awards over the years. He has his mother's eye for form and color and, over the years, we have had some good natured (though heated at times) discussions about plant life in "his" garden.

Before you are ready they are grownup!! I know all of you parents and grandparents can relate to that. Its off to college with no time left for many of the hobbies you leave behind. For a time, after he entered college, the garden was rather lonely but, as with all things, time can give you a new perspective. I know in my heart of hearts, that his love for all things natural will always be there and, when his college days are over and his career established, he will again find himself drawn to the garden.

Meanwhile, Bob and I are trying to get our minds around the concept of less is more. We have a lifelong passion for gardening together and still enjoy most of it immensly. For the first time in our married lives, we have turned over some of the lawn maintenance to outsiders but have not gotten that far with the daylilies. It is harder than one thinks to downsize but we hope to accomplish that this year. My daughter taking on the responsibility for Christopher's garden will hasten the process.


To all of the wonderful people we have met because of daylilies, I say thank you for the friendship. May you find peace and comfort among your blooms.

Margaret