Lilly advice, please

I've had a catalogue from Thompson & Morgan through the post, and they have some pollen-free lillies. They look stunning - pure white. 3 bulbs for �£9.99, with 3 free clematis & p&p, totalling �£12.98. Is this a good buy? I'm a bit neieve when it comes to ordering plants via the post, so don't know if its a rip-off or not?

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks

 

It isn't a rip-off, but it isn't marvellous value either unless you really want clematis too. The free plants will be small but should be healthy and they've got all summer to grow. If you just want lilies, look at the on-line catalogue, loads of offers there. It's always sensible to order everything you want [no, that's wrong, NEED] at one go, to minimise postage.
It's really easy to get carried away by all the lovely plants offered in the catalogues.

 

I agree with Liz about making one order to save postage. The only exception is to spread seed purchaces about a bit, as long as there is little or no extra cost, to make sure I keep getting the catalogues. :D :D

How about a big garden centre - I went to one outside York a couple of days ago and they had masses of Lily bulbs for sale.

 

Just to remind everyone, esp catlovers - do remember that lilies - all types of lillies - are fatal to cats if they get pollen on their coats and then lick it off. Was in the news last summer about a cat that died horribly after ingesting lilly pollen from a house plant. RSPCA put out a warning at the time.

 

:( Awww poor pussy cat.... I don't have any now, but have a mad pooch - I'll have to check and see if its poisonous to them too....

 

Marley, I thought that was a clematis! It's lovely. I've only got one double flowered lily,it's pink .
I didn't know pollen was poisonous for cats. I'm surprised that the squirrels are so fond of the bulbs!

 

Especially for overwintering lily beetles

 

cut flowers of lilies are more of a problem - that's where the pussy died, I think - it rubbed against a flower in pollen, licked it off its fur, and died.

 

Didn't know about lily pollen and cats! my inhouse advisor likes lillies and often has cut flower .. we have a cat so will do as you say Marley and cut the stamens off ... they stain badly anyway.

 

Not good for cats...?? Is this another good reason to plant them. I am forever chaseing the things out my garden, sorry folks but I am a cat hater. Mind you just want to keep them out don't want to hurt them, honest.

 

Dave just go with the flow in respect of cats. If you deterr one, another will take its place, they are very territorial. Knowing the conditions they like to foul - I protect areas that would attract them where I have things that would be hurt, seedlings etc, remove contamination from open soil that is awaiting planting - and ignore the rest (as spring develops it becomes less and less of a problem).