Nature's wonders appear in

Looking at my backyard in early August, with the temperatures blistering hot, one of nature's wonders appears every year.

More than 50 years ago, the former owners planted surprise lilies behind the house on Horton Street, and every year, regardless of how dry or hot it is, they manage to push their graceful stalks up through the ground and provide a summer treat of beauty. They come forth to lend their graceful presence to the landscape while the garden and many other flowers have seen their better days.

Conditions are just right this year and, at last count, there were 117 of the lovely lilies beautifying the back yard. Best of all, they require no pruning or mulching. It's just a simple fact that they will arrive around the first of August, and we will receive a special treat because someone cared enough to plant them more than a half a century ago.