@leftwood Thank you, Rick, for the insights as to overwintering lilies. As I read your suggestions, I realize that I am fighting an uphill battle trying to grow lilies in my neck of the woods. January is our rainiest month, and since the ground doesn't freeze (except every 40 years), we have a perfect breeding ground for the "cold and wet" diseases. I will try more mulch in January/February, but our sun is so high in the sky, that come February/March, a sunny day can quickly warm the soil, so it is hard to keep the beauties from sprouting. I can be more diligent to cover the sprouts with buckets if a freeze is predicted. I am starting to understand that certain "perennials" are really annuals in my garden, such as lupines, foxglove, even Tall Bearded Iris. Lilies may be added to that list. If I get more than one year, I need to celebrate, and if they don't survive past the first season, I need to replant or dedicate that garden space to other things. That is part of the fun of gardening.
