“Daddy’s Daylily Bed”
I had my first grounds to contend with when my husband “kidnapped” me to live in the middle of “nowhere” in Texas, and we purchased a historic home built in 1902. The house had been vacant for over 5 years, and needed a lot of work.
Neither Ray nor I knew anything about “yard work”. What … were … we thinking? 😀
My daddy was the avid gardener in the family. First chance he could, my dad came to Texas to assist me with the yard. Each telephone call involved inquiries about the status of the grass or of the flowers or the next step. Each visit to see us, he exclaimed about the improvement … as if we had a prize garden. 😀
Wanting to surround myself with familiar flowers, I transplanted several varieties from South Louisiana. With each visit to family, my trunk was filled with dug-up flowers, cooked comfort foods for the freezer, and South Louisiana supplies (like coffee, French bread and seasonings). These yellow daylilies are “just regular” ones; the variety is not considered “special” but to me they are very special. I gathered daylilies from both of my parent’s yards. This year, after last summer’s horrific heat and drought, their sunny yellow faces, although smaller than usual, are a welcome sight.
I had a marker made commemorating my daddy’s life, as he passed away 4 years ago. Now the day-lily bed is fondly referred to as “My Dad’s Bed” or “Your Dad’s Bed”.
I’ve noticed the blooming time in Texas is different than the blooming time in Louisiana. The daylilies bloom in time for my birthday. Thankfully, this year is no different. The blooms arrived just in time, as if my dad is wishing me another “Happy Birthday!”
For previous Mellow Yellow Mondays
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© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2012
Mellow Yellow Monday #174
I stumbled upon Mellow Yellow Monday, whose specialty is all things yellow. Intrigued, as yellow is my favorite color, I decided to interject some “sunshine” for the winter months. With approaching spring, I still enjoy the weekly boost of yellow — so I will continue with Monday Sunshine.
Why not join in the sunshine fun?
"On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea" 
Your story is very touching! Your dad will be always with you! Excellent photos and wonderful flowers!!!
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I love this, Becca and your Daddy’s “bed”..very sweet. I’m a gardener too and the love of it was passed down to me through my father, and his mother (my grandmother) who owned and operated a popular plant nursery when I was growing up. I used to love to visit it when I was little. Years ago, I had yellow and orange daylilies growing in my yard…your article reminded me of them. It’s really a great thing when people share their cuttings and plants with one another…propagating the species in more ways than one!
Oh, and belated birthday wishes, Becca… xoxo
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Amazing! I have some but none like this. Cheers to your dad and what an amazing photo. I’m sure he is enjoying this even now. I know how close you were to him. Thanks!
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Happy Birthday, BB. I, too, love day lilies, although I do not have them here. I love your tribute to your dad and I know he would, too. Hugs and kisses, pat
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What a wonderful tribute to your father. I’m sure he is pleased to be remembered that way!
My grandmother’s front and back gardens were full of day lillies, but they were bright orange, or orange with mottled “throats.” As a child, they always looked so exotic to me, and when I see day lillies, her gardens always come to mind
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OMG, Happy Birthday and thank you for sharing a personal story.
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I loved your story and the thoughts of your Dad which you so kindly shared with us. I love both Louisiana and Texas. Plants have a way of bringing the past to the present for a short while each year. Thank you.
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Your fine post honoring your Dad and all his help with your garden in Texas, transplanting much from S. Louisiana, has made me cry and miss my green-thumbed maternal grandfather all over again. My grandfather actually passed away very quietly kneeling to precisely place plant food and new mulching around his rose bushes! I never work in my own roses without feeling him with me. So fine a marker you have in your Dad’s honor. Happy Birthday, dear Becca!
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Thank you, granbee, for sharing your sweet memories; this is how my nieces feel about my dad as well. I feel him every time I work in the yard as well!!! 🙂
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I love the story of your lilies. I never answered your question – I live near Clear Lake, south of Houston, but I spend a lot of time in Louisiana, especially south of I-10. I went to the bonfires in the river parishes last Christmas, and have traveled the length of the Teche. I love the people, the history,the music and the food! It’s a great state!
It’s so nice you have a little “home” where you are now!
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The daylilies look simiilar to the ones I have in my back yard…plain every day plants, someone gave me. Knowing me, the only thing similar is that they are yellow, but still a ways to go before blooming.
Thank you for sharing the story of your daddies “bed”…how wonderful to have those memories.
Peace,
Siggi in Downeast Maine
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They’re the plain ones in Louisiana, but they’re few in my area of Texas! What makes them special is they came from both of my parent’s yards … traveled hundreds of miles and survived the weather here. Some of my other favorites were not so fortunate! 😦
Thank you for the visiting! 🙂
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