Creating modern hardy hybrid daylillies...
especially for gardens in northern zones!

Daylily: The Bodacious Ms. Billadeau

I had missed the AHS Nat'l Convention in Minnesota in 2007 due to being so busy getting settled in here in NC, so was THRILLED when asked to travel up and do a show for the Hemerocallis Society of MN! There certainly are some DIE-HARD lily lovers up there in that tundra, and I was so excited to meet them all! Anyone who can manage to be an effective gardener in conditions like they have there, and be part of a group that pulls off Nat'l Conventions (yes, another one in 2013!), is certainly the kind of person I'd like to meet!

I had "met" Kyle Billadeau on the internet, and even shipped her plants... but had never met her "in the flesh". From the moment she picked me up from the airport, we were friends! She had planned on simply delivering me to Karol Emmerich's house for a stay while there, but when I found out that her daughter was playing a hockey game (something I've never done!), she felt obligated to "make things right"... and bring me along! I'm tellin' ya... it was a BLAST! It's neat to do fun stuff with folks all over the country... really gives me an idea of how they live, and a better understanding of where they're "coming from". Seems folks that far north have learned that just 'cuz it's solid ice there for months on end, that's not gonna stop them from havin' a GREAT time in spite of it all!

Well... that kind of explains what's so cool about Kyle. The gal is a TROOPER! Her life is just FULL of exiting and fun things... and yet she still finds the time to manage bein' a Mom, maintain a truly fabulous garden, play a huge role in her club, and serve as Editor for her Region's "Pioneer" newsletter/magazine! She also happens to be one of the best photographers I've ever met... incredibly talented, to boot!

Indeed, Kyle is "ALL THAT"... and more! The gal is just downright fun... some may even say, "bodacious"! I've been wanting to dedicate a flower to her for quite some time now, and THIS one just screamed her name to me. It's color and texture had me calling it "Grape Bubblicious" for several years, with huge and yummy blooms just poppin' out everywhere! Now familiar with Kyle's tundra conditions, and the fact that she too is a tough-as-nails kinda gal... the fact that it was a good hard dormant really sealed the deal for me. Sorry it took so long to get to it Kyle, but I sure am excited to finally be able to personally let you know... YOU'RE APPRECIATED!!!