Lily and Dahlia Collection
The lilies (Lillium sp.) and the dahlias (Dahlia sp.) are located on the Lindquist Walk above the main waterfall headwaters.  The real lilies are distinct from daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.).  They generally bloom in June but the season can be extended forward and back depending on the species of  some of the hundreds of cultivars.  The plant size can range from 4-5 feet tall to under 1 foot and colors range from white to pink, yellow, orange, red and shades in between.  There are a total of 102 varieties of lilies in the garden.

The Dahlia Collection, just up the hill from the lilies, contains hybrids of a large genus, none of which are hardy in Minnesota.  The wild species are generally rangy, large plants with only a few species having significant flowers.  The hybrids, which we change yearly, must be dug in the fall and the tubers stored in a cool, dry location over the winter.  The Arboretum generally buys new tubers each year to halt any spread of disease and to insure good bloom in August and September.  We generally have a total of around 50 varieties of dahlias in the garden.