GILD THE LILY

The traditional Easter flower is the lily, with the white lily being a symbol of purity. I read that the single flower stem coming up from a bulb represents Christ coming back to life three days after His Crucifixion. The Easter lily’s (Lilium longiflorum) trumpet-shaped flowers are probably best recognised as a traditional Easter decoration.

Be warned, though – together with a reminder that chocolate can be fatal for dogs – the RSPCA advises that all parts of lilies including the flower, leaves and even the pollen, can be fatal to cats. This relates to all lilies, not just the Easter lily – and in the garden, not just as cut flowers. For more information visit RSPCA.org.uk

Not surprisingly, different countries have different Easter flowers. In the UK and Russia the pussy willow is also regarded as ‘the’ Easter Flower.

Lilies can be planted at any time from early autumn to mid-spring. Planting in autumn often helps them settle in and become better established before they start to put on their new spring growth, but spring planting is a better option if your soil is heavy and wet during winter. Choose a sunny spot, preferably where the plant receives a little light shade at its base, and plant each bulb 15-20cm deep in a well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matter or leaf mould. Space them at 15-30cm intervals and provide support before the flowers appear.

If you want to save a ‘potted’ Easter lily, place it on a sunny window after flowering and water when needed. Plant outdoors next month in a welldrained, sunny border or tub, ensuring the bulb is about 6 inches below the soil surface. The original plant will die back within several weeks of bloom and this can be cut off at ground level. New growth usually emerges by summer and you may be rewarded with a second bloom in September.