As we enter into Holy Week culminating on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, two of the greatest celebrations of Christianity, we see that the stores and flower shops are bursting with beautiful white lilies commonly known as Easter Lilies.

But how and why did this flower become one of the symbols of Easter?

Lilies are mentioned numerous times in the Bible. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ told his followers: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (St. Matthew: Chapter 6, Versus 28-29)

Often called the "white-robed apostles of hope,"  lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's agony.  It was told that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow. Churches continue this tradition at Easter time by surrounding their alters with masses of Easter Lilies, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and hope of life everlasting. 

For many, the beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers have come to symbolize purity, virtue, innocence, hope and the promise of new life -  the true meaning of Easter.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter.

Fall is probably the best time to plant, but the best selection is typically found in the spring when dutch suppliers inundate the market with endless varieties. Either way, they'll do well regardless of when they're planted in fall or spring. 

Planting is pretty easy. Just be sure to select a site that has good sun, good drainage, has some organic matter worked into the soil  when you plant or plant up in pots for a summer of blooms.  

Most bulbs go down 4-6 inches deep. The larger the bulb, the deeper it  goes down. 

                                                                        Best of luck and happy fall or spring lily planting! 
 

In building this website for the South Saskatchewan Lily Society (SSLS),
I learned that the variety of lilies that exist is endless and the history of the lily dates back to over 3,000 years.
The wonderful part about these lovely flowers is that there is a lily for everyone, from novice to the professional, with a miniumum amount of bed preparation, the right location and of course love, anyone can grow a beautiful array of lilies year after year.
So, I hope you will take a few minutes out to enjoy all the great pictures of lilies in our Photo Gallery, pictures compliments of the members of the SSLS, and welcome you to follow us along our new Blogway!