I rolled out of bed early this morning (Saturday), eager to attend the Central Dakota Daylily Society 2017 Blossom Blast. The two gardens on the tour this year were members of the club I greatly admire, very serious daylily growers, and I certainly wanted to see their work.

The tour did not disappoint. Members gathered, talking of last night’s rain — mercy but that was a spectacular thunderstorm! — and how we were quite lucky that the hail didn’t amount to much. Goodies were served, and everyone was happy to socialize, oohing and aahing over the flowers.

Yard No 1.

Autumn Jewels daylily.

Puffer Fish Daylily. Aren’t the ruffles marvelous?

Yard No. 2

Butterfly Sneezes, hybridized by garden owner Karen Schock.

People bring a sampling of blossoms from their garden, and we vote on our favorite. The table was packed. I failed to take a photograph of the full table, but you get a sense of this from the photo below. The Blossom Blast tour is a great way to discover new daylilies one might want to add to one’s garden.

My favorite was King George daylily. It is huge. I went home and ordered it! As my friend, Bob, says, “It’s addictive.”

I’m being lobbied to allow my garden to be in a future tour, and I’m close to capitulating. My sister tells me mine is ready. I think hers should be on before mine. For a good cause, I’ll probably break down, next year.

If you live in the Bismarck/Mandan area and are interested in joining this fun club you can inquire at: Central Dakota Daylily Society, Box 463, Bismarck, N.D. 58502