Spring

Just emerging

Lilies just emerging from the soil.

It is typical of the emerging lily to see a pointed spear reaching for the light.

Once above the ground most lilies begin to open up from their growing tips as they grow taller, forming a vase shape.

This photo also shows that this lily bulb has multiplied. There were 2 stems last season, and it looks like there will be 4 this time. The fourth can just be seen in the left edge of the picture. The two shorter and fatter stems will be the larger ones eventually.

The bottom picture at left shows that the 'spear' shape of the emerging lilies remains amongst the dense ground cover until the lily reaches its own 'airspace'. Then as the stem grows from its centre, the leaves 'peal off' and open out.

The ground cover is a common lamium which seems to keep the ground cool and moist. Something many lilies like.