Today, Stephanie Returned to my yard.  Stephanie Returns, that is.  She is a sweet light pink girl who bears the same name as my daughter.  And, she was added the year my daughter returned to Colorado.  Hard to get good lighting today.  She was unbloomed, and then the sun hit full force.  She looks a little dry and I upped her water.  (I have daylilies that bear the names of my grandmother, mom, and both grandkids.  I want to get a Santa Clause for in memory of my dad).

The other first-timer for the year was Inwood.  I love the contrast on the blooms.

I believe my back porch has now reached peak bloom with this addition.  Sadly, Electric Lizard is still not looking like it will produce much despite the addition of some more fans last fall.  Maybe it needs a larger pot.  Nosferatu, Cheddar Cheese, and Canyon Colors all have big fans but no scapes.  Guessing not enough sun, too much fertilizer or some other imbalance.  I am still hoping . . . but would have expected scapes by now.  Generally, my pots grow bigger, healthier blooms than this basic clay soil.  But, sometimes the mix is off.  (Below is Jungle Queen, quite happy in the same pot for 2 years).

As for the Southwest garden – it looks like I’ll have some new blooms tomorrow.  Soco Gap is about to give birth.  I think I’ll see my first Pink Enchilada tomorrow.  Papa Long Legs and Kokopelli, perhaps.  Maybe Indian Love Call.  I was hoping for 50% bloom out there, but I am guessing it may be 30% now.  I am erring on the side of fertilizer this year to get the plants big.  I think I need to do more soil amendments in the fall, too.  Most the plants are blooming size.  A few have died back.   I have to remember that some of mine had spring in the South last year, so may not bloom this year.  Bare root daylilies are not instant gratification.

The flowers are so pretty, they are worth the amazing time and energy to make them thrive.  Tomorrow also holds the promise of our first The Colorado Kid (our mascot) of the year.  Can’t wait to see what happens next.