Rescued daylilies bloom in a vibrant garden in Īslīce
A colorful daylily garden in Īslīce parish, created by rescuing plants from the Lepši allotments near Bauska, is now in full bloom. The garden has been a community pride since its establishment in 2019.
In Rītausmas, Īslīce parish, behind the Īslīce cultural centre, a bright daylily garden delights visitors. Planted in 2019, it first bloomed in 2020. The idea was spearheaded by Sandra Ķisele, former head of the parish administration and now a Bauska municipality deputy.
The garden emerged from a municipal project “Residents shape their environment”. A large lawn near apartment buildings was chosen for flower beds. At the same time, the Lepši allotments near Bauska changed ownership, threatening the many daylilies there. Parish workers and locals launched a rescue mission: for several days they dug up the plants and transported them by trailer to Rītausmas. Beds were prepared, and the daylilies were planted. “We worried if they would take root and bloom. In spring 2020, the first flowers felt like a thank-you for saving them,” Ķisele recalls.
Today the garden is far more abundant. From early spring to autumn, it showcases snowdrops, tulips, peonies, daylilies, soon hydrangeas, and autumn crocuses. The garden is tended by Ludmila Uļska, Nadežda Ašči, and schoolchildren. Oļegs Janonis, head of the Īslīce parish economic department, stresses the need for constant weeding and deadheading. He appeals to residents, especially children, to appreciate and not damage the plants.
Heavy recent rains have luckily not damaged the daylilies, though water stands in some nearby allotment rows.
