Traditions in Bloom: Daylilies Bring an Enduring Passion to Traditions at Beaumont 

‘Each day brings another bloom.’  And that is what makes daylilies so special.  There is a LOT that makes Bev special; her knowledge and passion for the Daylily Society is just the tip of the iceberg of her passions - but a good place to start. 

Years ago, a friend gave Bev, a resident at Traditions at Beaumont, two registered daylilies.   These were registered with the Daylily Society, not the ‘gutterliles’ that bear the same color as the logo, Home Depot.  These two and the next two were registered varieties.  Her son came over at her request to till parts of her lawn, and a tradition began.  Eventually, her home boasted 150 daylilies! 

An Enduring Tradition 

Like any strong tradition, the appreciation of daylilies was also passed along to another generation. Her granddaughter, now in her twenties, attended Fern Creek Elementary, whose mascot is Tigger. A quick search and Bev discovered there is a daylily registered asTigger!  Her granddaughter’s natural curiosity then led to them choosing to plant one of the TALLEST daylilies, on average at 60 inches – ‘Dances with Giraffes’.  

How many people have a registered flower named after them? Bev does! She visited her friends, Chris & Bill, repeatedly over a number of years, continuing to point out one seedling in particular. She encouraged them to go through the systematic process of having the flower registered, but you must wait four years.  Forgetting that casual conversation, she was surprised when they brought a daylily for her home and encouraged her to look at the label, Bev’s Choice! 

As an integral member of AHS Region 10 | Kentucky and Tennessee, Bev regularly attends meetings.  She attributes her continued connection to the kindness of the incoming president, Michael, who refuses to accept no for an answer – and is always ready to drive her.  

Curating Several Passions 

The love for daylilies pales compared to the love Bev shares for her family. Framed pictures of loved ones, past and present, hang on the wall around her apartment at Traditions at Beaumont.  Along with a ‘hunk of burning love’, Elvis Presley!  She carefully curated her collection before moving to Glenmary and brought only officially documented Elvis items, including an oil painting that her son, who was 6 at the time, convinced his father to buy for her.  And be very careful bringing up March Madness, the University of Kentucky love is definitely on display – but her interviewer still made the mistake of mentioning Duke University.  Over thirty years later, she sat up a little straighter and brought up the 1992 game and Christian Laettner’s SHOT and STOMP against UK. 

Gracefully slinking between furniture and a large peace lily plant is Mina. Part Maine Coone, part wizard, it’s evident Mina understands far more than she should! Including knowing it would take a little time for Bev’s neighbor to warm up to her. But Bev caught him in the dining room telling his table adamantly, “I don’t like cats, but I like Mina!” 

Continuing Traditions in a New Home 

Moving and downsizing are hard. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your passions or pets.  From the 150 plants Bev once had, she brought ten to Traditions at Beaumont, where they are proudly planted in the front with their officially registered names proclaimed on metal tags.  Her home reflects her multiple passions, from the UK to Elvis to hummingbirds to family to daylilies.  We are thankful for residents like Bev, who share their joy so readily, and for each day that blooms anew.  (Glad we were Bev’s Choice!)