Monster lily steals the show

Otago lily judges (from left) Celia Joyce, Margaret Laughton and Liz Bremer get pointers on the art of judging lilies from New Zealand Lily Society president Rex Lyes, of Christchurch. PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN

A self-proclaimed "bit of a gardener" managed to swoop first place in her category, and second overall, in a lily show after growing a massive flower that towered over the competition.

On Saturday, the sweet scent of hundreds of lilies permeated the air in the St Kilda Bowling Club rooms as the Otago Lily Society held its annual show.

One massive and oversized flower in the show stood far taller than the rest.

North East Valley resident and beginner gardener Laura Hudson’s prize-winning lily, which took first place in the novice oriental lily category and second overall.

North East Valley resident Laura Hudson had spent about a week admiring her very oversized lily in her kitchen when her son bought in a sopping wet edition of The Star around dinner time.

While flicking though the drenched pages, she found out the Otago Lily Society was holding its annual show the next day.

"I just thought ‘I wonder if anyone would like to see my lily that’s so giant’ — I just thought if they’re lily lovers then they might like to see it too."

She called an organiser who told her what to do, and the next day she bought it along and entered it into the oriental novice section.

Margaret Dodd’s lily.

The society was so impressed she took first place in her category, and second overall. It was her first time entering the show.

Ms Hudson said she was a "little bit of a gardener" and had only really got into it when she moved to Dunedin six years ago.

When she moved south, the house they bought had a large and established garden, which Ms Hudson decided to try to keep up.

"I do enjoy gardening but I’m still learning a lot; the lilies were planted by somebody else, and as things grow I’m trying to work out what they are and how to care for them.

"It takes a while to learn about plants, especially ones that only show themselves for a short time, once a year."

Kere Smith’s lily.

Three lilies shot up in her garden this year.

Two others were of the same kind but came in slightly smaller.

Ms Hudson said she thought maybe her prize-winning lily got so large because the stem grew huge from the start.

She was not sure just yet whether she would be entering the competition again.

"I’ve still got a lot to learn about lilies. I’ll see what pops up next year and if there’s anything worth sharing."

Victoria Chapman’s lily.

Otago Lily Society show organiser Karen Judge said she was really pleased for Ms Hudson getting such a great placing as a first-time entrant.

"Well done to her. I think she’s well on her way."

First place overall went to Neil and Julie Judd.

"There were small differences in things that were critical in terms of making a decision about which was better — but that’s what novices learn, just by coming in the first time."