Lilies are something of a tradition at Easter, a bit like Poinsettias at Christmas. The beautiful while Arum or Bermuda Lilies are favourites, though I have to confess to a sneaking preference for the beautiful pink throated blooms.

Lilies have many associations, in Roman Mythology they are the flower of Juno, Queen of the Gods. It is said that when she was feeding Hercules during his labours she spilled some milk and wherever a drop fell a beautiful white lily grew. In the Christian tradition they symbolize the new life brought into being by the Resurrection, thus they also symbolize immortality and often decorate Churches at this time of year. It is also said that lilies sprang up from each drop of Jesus' sweat in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The original home of the Easter Lily is Japan where they were found and sent to England around 1800, taking over a hundred years to travel across the Atlantic to America. The flowers are at their best around Easter and feature in many of the beautiful Easter Bouquets and Arrangements.

To make your lilies last longer, don't forget to remove the yellow pollen bearing anthers. I find the best way is to hold a cup underneath and take them off with a fork. Do be careful not to get the pollen onto your clothes as it can leave a horrid stain that can't easily be removed. Once you have done that keep the water fresh and don't put them in direct sunlight and they will last for ages.