Easter represents a time of renewal, which is also mirrored by the beautiful lilies that bloom during this holy season. In Christianity, the Easter lily is often referred to as the “white apostle of hope”, symbolising the purity of Christ. The three-year journey, from growing underground as bulbs to full bloom, mirrors Jesus’s death and resurrection, symbolising rebirth and hope.

It is in this spirit of renewal that SO Gardening (SOG) went in pursuit of Easter lilies. Our extensive search led us to the garden of Thelma McCatty-Cover, managing director of Calyx Consulting Limited in Mandeville. She was more than happy to invite us in, where we were awestruck by her vast collection of Easter lilies, creating a cacophony of hues that populated her 700-square metre oasis. Her array of agapanthus and amaryllis lilies — the latter being the jewel in her catalogue — is the result of three years of diligence and care. Not to be outdone, her lilies are complemented by a wide range of fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs, all part of her sustainable gardening practices, which include water harvesting and composting. McCatty-Cover takes immense pride in her work, building upon the garden’s origins from decades ago and the efforts to restore it with her husband.

“It’s a very old garden, dating back to a previous owner who started it in the 1950s. My husband, Donovan Cover, and I essentially restarted the garden from scratch, beginning in 2018,” McCatty-Cover told SOG.

Her interest in amaryllis stemmed from a desire to see how well they would fare in warmer climates like ours, given that they are typically grown in seasonal climates worldwide.

“Amaryllis plants are very popular as seasonal plant gifts in North America, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere, but they are not well-known in warmer climates such as Jamaica. For this reason, I decided to develop the protocols for growing this crop and introducing it to the local market, not only as a ‘special occasion’ plant gift option but also as a component in landscaping,” McCatty-Cover explained. “Many plants commonly called lilies (like canna lilies, daylilies, and agapanthus lilies) are not true lilies. The Easter lily is a true lily.”

At one point, Easter lilies were plentiful in Jamaica, located in parishes with higher elevations such as St Andrew, Portland and her home parish of Manchester. However, they are becoming a rare sight, with the increasing warm temperatures making it difficult for the iconic flower to thrive compared to previous years.

“While the Easter lily can still be seen in ‘wild gardens’ or along roadways, they are not as common now as in the past. This may partly be due to generally warmer temperatures,” McCatty-Cover said. “I think the main reason is that most of the older home gardens have been destroyed by new construction.”

The increasing rarity of these timeless beauties makes McCatty-Cover’s blooms a sight for sore eyes! Additionally, it emphasises the meticulous approach to their maintenance. While it is a long process from planting to full bloom, McCatty-Cover’s detailed regimen can be used as a guide for those who seek to follow suit.

“Place potted amaryllis lilies in bright, indirect light indoors, or dappled light outdoors and then water sparingly once a week. Once the flowerscapes emerge, turn the pot every three to four days to prevent the stalk from bending toward the light. If necessary, use a stake to keep the stalk upright. Remove individual blooms as they fade and expect two or more flower stalks or bulbs,” McCatty-Cover advised. “Once flowering has ceased, you can encourage the bulb to resume vegetative growth by transplanting it into a larger pot filled with well-drained potting mix, or you may wish to plant it in an outdoor bed that gets partial protection from harsh sunlight. Make sure to leave the neck and shoulder of the bulb above soil level. Water only when the soil three inches of the media feels dry to the touch.”

Happy Easter!

Thelma McCatty-Cover’s garden of amaryllis. Thelma McCatty-Cover

Peach and white amaryllis (Thelma McCatty-Cover)

Orange amaryllis. Thelma McCatty-Cover

White and red amaryllis. Thelma McCatty-Cover

Thelma McCatty-Cover’s garden consisting of lilies and cast iron plants.Thelma McCatty-Cover

Bromelias and amaryllis. Thelma McCatty-Cover

Bromelias and amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

White and red amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

Red amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

White and red amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

Thelma McCatty-Cover’s spectacular Easter lilies (Naphtali Junior)

White amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

White and red amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

Bromelias and lilies in Thelma McCatty-Cover’s garden. Thelma McCatty-Cover

Thelma McCatty-Cover’s collection of amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

White, peach and red amaryllis Thelma McCatty-Cover

Thelma McCatty-Cover makes an adjustment to the arrangement of Easter lilies. (Naphtali Junior)