Nothing stops more people along our precious corner of Northeast Portland than these towering July beauties. I sit on the porch, unseen by passersby, and eavesdrop on the oohing and ahhing.
Luckily, the flower thieves haven’t struck; some regal lily blooms were snipped last summer.
When planting the bulbs a few years ago, I didn’t intend to make so bold a statement. At a neighbor’s party Saturday night, a fellow described our garden as “duded up.” It was a compliment. I think.


