SASKATOON - Lillies have often been referred to as stars on earth. The beautiful perennial has inspired the Canadian Prairie Lily Society, established in 1967, founded by a group of individuals with a strong interest and love for the genus Lilium, chartered as a society in 1973.
Lawson Heights Mall was home to the July 19-20 Lily Show. Entries were accepted up 9:30 a.m. July 19 and judging took place that same day. The public was invited to view and learn more about this fragrant flower and the society itself, with the show closing with a stem sale July 20 afternoon.
There were numerous horticulture classes from single stem entries, to three stem entries, hybrids, flower arrangements and even lily photographs.
Lillies come in an impressive range of species and varieties and are associated with good luck, hold religious significance and are often featured in art and literature.
Attendees fully embraced browsing around, admiring the beauty that was on display while learning from volunteers and printed material more about this fragrant flower and the organization who hosted the show.
Volunteers working July 19-20, Greg Baerwald and Suzanne Beaubien, reminded visitors that they will also be hosting a fall bulb sale Oct 4-5 at Lawson Heights Mall.
The lily’s long blooming period make them an attractive addition to a home flower bed or border, as well as bringing beauty and elegance to floral arrangements.
Did you know lilies are one of the more popular wedding flowers? In ancient times, the lily was considered a royal flower, used in royal ceremonies and events symbolizing power, luxury and elegance.
Another added bonus to yard is the lily’s attraction factor for bees and butterflies.
Much was discussed at this lily exhibition about the dreaded lily beetle as it has decimated some home flower gardens in the city, as well as around the province. With larvae feeding for up to 25 days, they can cause a great deal of damage in that time frame. The Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre encourages people to report lily beetle infestations to them. There are several websites, include the University of Saskatchewan, that provide information on how to deal with this destructive insect.
The lily society aims are to promote the interest in growing lilies in home gardens and to provide information to members and the public.
This organization sponsors a public exhibition each July to provide opportunity for gardeners to have their flower power in judged competition.
There is much history and information on the Canadian Prairie Lily Society’s website, who hosted this Lawson Heights Mall exhibit.
