Crinum lilies are perennial, long-living perennials. They are a wonderful part of a forest garden.
Today, while I was working in my forest garden, I noticed something that I have never seen before. My Crinum lilies are preparing to flower, in November!
My family and I moved into our home in December 1985. The Crinum lilies were already here; I am not sure for how long. In the spring of 1986, we saw them bloom for the first time. Every year since then, these lilies could be counted on to bloom reliably around the first week of June. They would bloom just once, and then they were done until the next spring.
Last November I moved these lilies from the backyard. It took a bobcat tractor to dig them out, the bulbs were so big. The backyard is north facing to the front yard, which faces south, so the Crinums are getting more sun now. Still, I have never seen them bloom at this time of year before.
With forest gardening, there are always pleasant surprises like this. When these things happen, I see in them not only an interesting fluke of nature, but something that the Lord wants me to see in it, in this case, flowers out of season.
In preparation for writing this, I just read an article from Southern Living, “Crinum Lilies Captivate Gardeners,” saying that Crinums bloom repeatedly from spring through fall. Apparently you are supposed to snap off the flower stalk after it fades, and new flowers will form. So, what has been unheard of in my experience over the past 32 years, is actually just normal for that plant, cared for in that way.
Is it foolish then to see in this fall blooming a message from God? Maybe, but when I am forest gardening, the conversation I have with my Heavenly Father is private and very intimate. Besides, even if it is foolish, I have the assurance that God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, that no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Knowing that is a great comfort to me daily.
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| Crinum lily, about to bloom, Monday, June 4, 2012 |
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| Same crinum lily blooming, Tuesday, June 5, 2012 |