Lilies in raised beds...

In wet areas or with heavy clay soil, a raised bed at least 8 inches above grade can make all the difference for many types of bulbs, roses and other perennials. Lily roots are allowed to penetrate into the original soil, but the basal plate (where the roots attach) is safe from excessive moisture and danger of rot. A word of caution: Newly prepared beds do not have soil compacted sufficiently until after one year of irrigation. During winter, plants in non-compacted soil could suffer damage from freezing. It is best when preparing new raised beds late in the summer or fall, to wait until spring to plant lilies. If you must plant immediately, and winter lows go below zero degrees, mulch lily bulbs and other plants with an insulating blanket of bark, evergreen boughs, or other material for the first winter. Remember, you must uncover plants when soil becomes soggy in early spring from constant rainfall or snow melt off. Your soil needs to “air dry” as often and fast as possible after being saturated. It is generally not cold that causes problems with “hardiness”, but rather excessive moisture or repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Use extra sand or Perlite, the white crunchie material found in potting soil, to aid in fast drainage.