It's Lycoris squamigera, in the amaryllis family, and was introduced from Japan (where I understand it is sometimes called the "dead people's flower" because it blooms around the date they honor their departed loved ones). The leaves, as you may have noticed, come up in late winter/early spring, looking a lot like daffodil leaves, then disappear. Later, the leafless flower stalks emerge, hence its common names: magic lily, naked lady, resurrection lily, surprise lily.

I have read somewhere that it is believed to be a hybrid, and is sterile. If that is the case, seeds dropped by birds or other animals would not explain its sudden appearance in Roxanna's garden. Might there have been a few small bulbs in with something you purchased, traded or received as a gift?

One spring I found this huge weed and I dug it out. I kept thinking, how did I let a weed get this big with such a tough stem. Months later I remember it was the hydrangea I had brought from my mom's house the previous fall when she came to live with us.

Hope that story produced a little chuckle for your day...I think I'll go work on that plan.

Yours is so enchantingly pretty along your mossy stonework path.

Beautiful!

~Annie