Shhhhhhhh! Naked Ladies!!!

What's in a name? What do you call these fantasy like flowers that seem to spring from nowhere this time of year? They actually do have foliage but it comes up earlier and dies down so these beauties do seem to pop up magically. Hence, one of the names bestowed upon them--Magic Lilies. Also Fairy Lilies, Surprise Lilies, and my all time favorite--Naked Ladies. Aunt Lina had several clumps of them and naturally I had to have some. She told me that calling them "Naked Ladies" was not genteel but I could if I whispered it! So there you have it. You can choose your name for them. Whatever it is, I am always cheered by their luscious pinkness, their scent, and their ability to thrill me with their sudden appearance.

The Stone Steps leading down into The Fairy Garden

This is one of my favorite spots. I know, I say that about all of them, but I mean it, this one rates way up there! It's secluded, it's quiet, it's whimsical, and of course, a little magical. This is where I would go to plan the different seasons of The Rose Garden, where I would draw my designs, where I felt inspired. This is where I would go to totally relax and breathe and just be. I haven't had time to "just breathe" lately but am planning on getting there again. In fact, I think I will have my afternoon coffee there. Might as well start breathing today.

The Magical Stepping Stones

These are the stepping stones that start you on the path around the pond where you end up going down more stone steps into The Fairy Garden. I love these pink surprise lilies and every year after they bloom I separate them and spread them to other parts of the garden. I remember when I first planted them on either side of the magical stepping stones--now I can divide them! So exciting! I consider them part of my heirloom garden collection because the first ones came from Aunt Lina. [Where else??]