Recent plantings have filled a gap in the side garden and added moisture-tolerant perennials to weed-prone low spots in the lower rear garden. I have not planted, or even looked for, longtime favorite toad lilies (Tricyrtis).

Yes, toad lilies are still favorites of the early autumn, but as I purchased one variety after another, I noticed that differences were too often unnoticeable. No doubt, a more obsessive collector would cherish subtle differences. I figured that there are better choices for me to waste my money on, but now is the time to celebrate their splendid blooms so I’m tempted.

I’ve found that the best placement for toad lilies is in part sun, not shade where growth is more open and flowers scattered. ‘Miyazaki’ (above), the most floriferous of toad lilies with buds formed along stems rather than at stem tips, is most prone to scorching of leaf tips while others show little damage from increased sunlight.

With limited gaps remaining where toad lilies are ideal, I’ve nearly given up hope of trying another yellow-flowered variety. Previous unsuccessful attempts have been shoehorned into poorly chosen locations. Still, it’s likely I’ll try again.