Daylilies — Splendor in the Grass

Mud is drying, grass is sprouting and the earth is beginning to hold the warmth of the sun. Spring begins the parade of perennials, and for most mediocre gardeners it can mean a few surprises popping up in the flower bed. This year, before you plant a problem, consider a visit with Tom and Cyndi Cowland, who with their golden retriever Keileigh operate Golden Meadows Garden Design and Daylilies.

Why daylilies? “Some of the first flowers given to us when we bought the house over 30 years ago were daylilies from Cyndi’s mother,” says Tom, a retired school teacher. When the couple had an opportunity to buy a daylily business in Maine a few years ago, they took the plunge, trucking hundreds of daylilies from Maine to New Hampshire. The two-acre garden features more than 500 different cultivars of daylilies and more than 50 varieties of other perennials.

If I buy daylilies now, will they bloom this year? “Yes. If you don’t know what kinds you want, take a look at our picture album. The flowers are planted in rows according to variety, color and size. You decide what you like; we’ll dig it up for you.” Once the bulbs are bagged and tagged, they should be planted within a couple of days in an area with lots of sunlight. The daylily blossoms between July and August.

Do daylilies make good cut flowers? “No, the blossom only lasts for a day; it opens up in the morning and lasts just the day. The stems may have anywhere from four to five blossoms that open at different times, so the plant will flower for a few weeks.”

The grounds are magnificent; do you ever get people who just want to take a stroll? “All the time, and we love it! A lot of wedding parties come here for pictures. Sometimes people stop by and say they have had a bad day, and need ‘a golden retriever fix’ and Keileigh obliges. We have some people going through chemotherapy and they come here to sit. It’s a bit of a healing garden.”

So What’s New?

Feet Frolic
Persona Boutique, 122 Main St., Nashua

Imagine PF Flyers on Red Bull. Persona Boutique may just be the coolest store this side of NYC. Owner Jeremy McKenna, 23, offers an urban selection of fashion-forward clothing for men and women, but it’s the kickers that jump out, including DC Life, New Balance Tier 0, Vans and European designers catering to those who collect funk for feet. (McKenna owns more than 150 pairs of sneakers). This clean, slick, reeks with style and sophistication without the snob factor. www.stackboxes.com

Silver Lining
The Kalled Gallery and Studio
33 N. Main St., Wolfeboro

Jewelry designer and gallery owner Jennifer Kalled reveals a new line of silver jewelry this spring and promises stunning pieces to fit most budgets. Look for new figurine sculptures from A Little Company — pieces known for their exquisite detail and facial expressions and gaining in value. Also new are the stackable rings by Sarah Graham — buy one or several, they’re collectible and conversational. www.kalledjewelrystudio.com

One Sweet Home
Stone House Country
985 Route 16 White Mountain Hwy., Ossipee
You’ll feel right at home here at this amazing historical stone house, where everything inside is for sale including the kitchen sink. Step through the doors, smell the aroma of candles and potpourri, and savor every nook and cranny decorated with country and primitive accessories to treasure. You’ll fall in love with the whimsical wall hearts and tin pierced lighting fixtures. Owners Larry Figuerado (who makes a lot of the furniture and mirrors) and Donna Briden are delightful. www.stonehousecountry.com

Heart Stopping Seconds
Loved One
51 Main St., Wilton
There is nothing shabby about gently loved clothing and accessories, especially when hand selected by someone as picky as Johanna Lipson, owner of Wilton’s newest consignment store and show room. Lipson, who is a cheerleader for anything locally made, encourages novice crafters and artists to display their work. Some vintage clothing, prom dresses ($20 to $200) and a handsome selection of gently worn, high-end baby clothes. Home accessories, artwork and a jazzy vibe fill this store. www.lovedonewilton.wordpress.com.