First of all, I want to wish all the moms a Happy Mother's Day! I hope today is a special one for each of you.

All of us gardeners have been patiently, (or impatiently) waiting for May 15, the magic day when we get the green light to go ahead and plant annuals in our area. It is finally here this week. I don't know about you, but I have lots of ideas of what I want to grow this summer. The problem is finding enough ambition to match all the ideas.

Tulips have done especially well this year. I hope you have a chance to drive by the hospital in Coeur d'Alene as there are literally hundreds of bright orange tulips blooming in large beds. Sadly, they won't last long now that warmer than normal days are here.

The history of tulips is very interesting. They were originally found in only a small area of eastern Europe to western Asia. A few were eventually brought to Holland where they became an instant hit. Only kings and the very rich could afford them. This set off a period from 1634 to 1637 called "Tulip Mania." During this time tulips were bought and sold at ever increasing prices. Eventually a single bulb could bring the equivalent of 15 year's wages for the average worker.

Of course, like all speculations, the bubble finally burst and many people lost everything they owned. Luckily for us, a few growers continued to plant and export them to the rest of the world.

Now is the best time to divide hostas. If divided before the little "points" open into leaves, the newly divided plant will form a nice round shape by the end of the summer. You can also move hostas if your plants are getting too large for their space. Some types become gigantic. Too bad they taste like candy to slugs. The only defense is slug bait, but use only if you don't have pets as it can be lethal.

Some of my favorite plants are the lilies. I don't mean daylilies, I mean "true" lilies. The difference is that daylilies are a perennial with large grass-like leaves. They are not really in the lily family even though their flowers are similar. True lilies include the Asiatics and Orientals.

Asiatic lilies usually bloom here in July. They can be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some are solid and some have a pattern of two colors or more. Asiatics are very hardy and multiply rapidly, needing to be divided every few years.

Oriental lilies bloom a bit later and are often much taller plants. To grow any of these lilies successfully, plant the bulbs 3 times their depth in fairly rich, well drained soil. If they sit in soggy soil for very long, they will rot. They appreciate an application of bone meal at planting time and once a year after that. Lilies do best in strong morning sun and partial shade in the heat of the afternoon. Oriental types produce wonderful fragrance. Unfortunately, the Asiatics have none.

I'm really getting my money's worth out of my Christmas poinsettia this year. It was in full bloom when I bought it in late November. It doesn't seem to know that it should be finished and is still blooming in May. Too bad they're not hardy for our area as they make nice shrubs in the southern U.S.

Be sure to mark your calender for the annual plant sale put on by the River City Garden Club. It will be held on June 8 at the same location: 416 E. Third St. in Post Falls. Hours are 9 to 2, no early birds, please. Proceeds from this sale benefit many local charities.

Now for today's quiz: Why do hummingbirds hum? (Because they don't know the words.) Sorry, just had to pass that on.

Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. Since then, she has always kept a garden of some sort, growing everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and house plants. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls.