Wister Gardens was started in 1937 by Wister and Frances Chiles Henry. This 14 acre paradise in the delta was named “Mississippi’s Best Garden” by Mississippi Magazine.
Wister comes alive in early summer with thousands of daylilies which are used in combinations that will challenge and inspire us all.
The garden features a series of long curving beds, island beds and those that are considered formal. In each style the daylily is used prominently. Daylilies need a lot of sun and fertile, well-drained soil to reach their true potential.
Here at Wister, daylilies are massed in drifts of single colors. This is one of the most effective ways to use them in the landscape.
Throughout the garden you will see them combined with other perennials like Queen Ann’s Lace, lantana, and veronica.
They’re also partnered with ornamental grasses like the green maiden grass and Zebra grass.
If the tropical look is your style then Wister Gardens proves that the daylily is a perfect fit. The perimeter of the formal rose garden features daylilies with bananas, cannas, elephant ears and native palms. In another garden, they are partnered with gingers.
Also, here at Wister Gardens you can see daylilies as companions to summer blooming shrubs like oleanders, and the hibiscus-like althea or Rose of Sharon.
Wister Gardens in Belzoni, Mississippi shows that daylilies will enhance your landscape, no matter what your style. I’m Norman Winter for Southern Gardening.