Easter Lilies, of the large and showy type have become a steadfast symbol of Easter for many North Americans. Lilium longiflorum is the species that is grown widely for sale at florists and supermarkets in Vancouver during the build up to Easter. This plant is derived from bulbs grown in California and Oregon that have been brought to greenhouses in the Fraser Valley and encouraged to grow and flower in time for the Easter holiday. The origin, growing and care of these special Lily plants is really well described in the Aggie Horticulture site from Texas.

I tend to prefer the subtle and natural so love looking at our own native lily species at this time of year. Erythronium or fawn lily can be seen in Vancouver at Vandusen Gardens native garden - right above where they have started the excavation for the new visitors centre. These delicate little plants have spread to colonize a large area and are better appreciated as a result of the scale of the patch. Some of the western species of Fawn Lily have mottled leaves and some have plain leaves. The mottled leaves are considered more beautiful and I must admit they add an exotic charm to the plant. The delicate flowers are nodding downwards and look quite modest until the flower opens and the petals are upswept into pure joy as this delicate beauty struts her stuff.

I was luck enough to see these beautiful spring flowering bulbs on a recent trip to Nanaimo. Piper's Lagoon on Vancouver Island, has a fabulous little trail that winds around a rare, botanically rich, rocky outcropping. Gary oak trees abound and thousands of Erythroniums decorate the woodland floor creating a fairyscape of such delicate beauty. My family and I enjoyed a wonderful morning walking in the sunshine admiring the diversity of this special place. We were even treated to a passing group of noisy, frisky Sea Lions heading up to coast and several eagles soared overhead. A very special day in a most special place.