Nature is putting on quite a show at Erikson Daylily Gardens, just in time for the annual open house Saturday and Sunday.

Events have to be planned far in advance of what the weather is going to do but this year, the timing will be perfect.

Owner Pam Erikson said the hostas and ferns have loved the damp weather which has only serve to make the daylilies grow lush foliage.

Then the sun and warmth arrived and that triggered blooming.

"There's lots of thick fabulous foliage but they needed a bit of sunlight for blooms," she explained.

The open house will include three new daylily varieties including "Thomas Andrew Erikson", named for her first grandson, and "Our Mum Rae Alden", named for a 90th birthday.

"Bohdan's Honeybee" was named by an Edmonton woman in honour of her late husband and proceeds from their sale will go to cancer research at the University of Alberta.

This is the 11th year for the open house so it's gone on in various kinds of weather.

"We get around 1,000 if the weather's bad and around 2,000 if the weather's good," Erikson said.

The event is admission by donation with proceeds going to the BC Children's Hospital, a cause dear to Erikson whose grandson and niece needed its care.

In the past the open house has helped fund the D.W. Poppy Secondary music program, Critter Care, and CARES, the cat shelter in Milner.

Adding to the atmosphere of the event are Tuscan Farm Gardens and Big Bear Tools, along with the VanDusen Master Gardeners, the Aldergrove Daylily Society and their fun draw (with gifts donated by Domaine de Chaberton, Krause Berry Farms, Select Roses, JD Turkey Farms, Otter Co-op and Tuscan Farm Gardens).

The Aldergrove Daylily Society also offers up refreshments and light snacks, and there are benches and places to relax and enjoy the gardens.

For the third year in a row, Judy Henry will be playing harp from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The opens houses run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ultimately, the real stars of the show are the plants, and the gardens will have the biggest selection of lillies in its history. Erikson's advice: "Bring cameras."

Erikson Gardens isn't the kind of place people can stop by anytime they want. It is, after all, a private garden.

The garden is at 24642 51st Ave. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Before stopping by at other times, call ahead (604-856-5758) or check www.eriksonsdaylilygardens.com.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com