Audrey Hepburn in thrift-store Chanel. A graceful lily with somewhat threadbare clothing. That is the essence of the Crinum Lily, to my mind.

One of the joys of gardening, of keeping company with plants, is to find nobility deigning to “room” with riffraff like us. And to find that these aristocrats are undemanding….well, that is life-affirming indeed!

I really enjoy finding horticultural gems from generations past. These stalwart types are treasures, often enjoying their golden years in unlikely spots. I will not embarrass the homeowner who was playing host to a remarkable congregation of Crinums, but suffice to say that the only attention paid to the “green space” outside the home must be prompted by a visit from the Code Violation Garden Society! Yet, in this disturbing tangle I found a gloriously blooming group of Crinums. Foliage a little “untidy”, flowers gracefully beautiful.

You will need to do just a modest amount of searching to find local or mail-order sources for a multitude of Crinums. Make the effort to find some. They will reward you and your grandchildren with persevering grace.