Lilies are the most gorgeous of the summer bulbs and with planning, successive waves of colour can be achieved from June to early September.

The Asiatics are the first to bloom, and although they are generally unscented, their range of colour is unparalleled. The Trumpets bear their huge and fragrant blossoms in July and the Orientals scent the August garden with their star-shaped blooms.

Lilies like to have their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade. Shade the roots with a low growing ground- cover such as Baby's Breath or violets. Lilies are most effective when planted in groups of at least three.

Lilies are perennial bulbs - once planted in the right spot, they come back year after year. Every year they grow bigger and stronger and eventually produce their own "babies."