Bunnies mowed down some lilies that were planted in the beginning of May. They were less than a foot tall at the time. They targeted just the newly planted ones: transplanted ones moved to that garden from another area were left completely alone. Apparently some varieties are tastier than others, or newly planted ones somehow taste better.

As I am enjoying the "old" ones starting to bloom I am really annoyed when I look at those stumps that left on the new ones, which would have completed my color scheme perfectly. Everything in this new bed is supposed to be a hot color, with some wild contrast that do not go in my more pastel shaded main gardens. The variety is "Red Dutch", a hot yellow color with a red heart, which I saw here in someoneÂs pictures last year and really wanted. I could not find them online, except from Canada (and did not want to deal with phytosanitary certificate issues for a few bulbs), and so was really happy when by sheer luck. I found them in a local store.

I have had plenty of other lilies with buds nipped off, and some leaves, and as long as there were enough leaves left to nourish the bulb, I didnÂt worry about it. I could always hope for next year. But these poor guys, at the height of an inch or so, have between 3 and 5 short little leaves left at the base. I donÂt expect to be able to buy them again.

I normally donÂt fertilize except for top dressing with purchased rotted manure/ compost in the spring. Is there something else I can use specifically for these lilies?