Where's the Reblooms?

Seriously? It's September already? Yes, it is! But where are my daylily reblooms? Only 'Fruitful Endeavor' (Grovenstein-L.&E., 2006), 'Double Glamour' (Brown-B., 1970) and 'Pandora's Box' (Talbott, 1980) out of almost 200 cultivars are reblooming consistently. Last year, the gardens were colorful all summer and into early October. Anecdotally, not scientifically, I can say it's either the weather or ... if the rebloom was fantastic last year, it won't be the next year or ... Mother Nature knew we needed cheer in 2020's COVID atmosphere. I'd like to believe it's Mother Nature but it's very like the weather.

'Fruitful Endeavor'

'Double Glamour'

'Pandora's Box'

2020 was hot with many consecutive days of above 90 degrees and when that happens, even in northern Georgia, it's often many consecutive days above 95. And I had to water a LOT last year. This year, many days were overcast if not downright rainy. I only watered 3 times this year ... in June, not July and August. And the foliage is beautiful!

But foliage is not what makes you stop and stare - it's the blooms! Where are they? Closer inspection shows the rebloom is coming now because we're getting more sun (?) despite Hurricane Ida remnants which swung through here. September color in the garden will be good. Patience is needed. Deep breath.

By the way, the apiary we helped establish at Smith-Gilbert Gardens flourished this year and produced its first crop of honey which will be used for fund raising purposes. A problem I foresee is ... the apiary is on track to double its hives next year and where will we put them? We have all winter to think about that!

One last thing: the Cobb County Daylily Society now has an established daylily bed at Smith-Gilbert Gardens containing about 70 cultivars. Check it out at SGG DL Slideshow

CCDS at work in 2018

CCDS's Garden at SGG in 2020

Remember: September is a great time to divide and replant your older daylily clumps and to buy and plant new cultivars. Start by visiting Rita Bees.