LATELY THERE'S A DAY-LILY BLOOMING in these parts called Hamerocallis Altissima - Most High! Altissima comes from South West China and can grow to six feet. They're available through a number of online nurseries, appearing in shades of orange, apricot and yellow. But unless you stay up late, be careful to choose a variety that blooms during the day - some are noctural, opening at dusk and blooming through the night until one or two in the morning when they close up shop.
I discovered Altissima years ago and loved it for all it offers, but for its name as well. It reminds me of a line from the Latin Gloria at Sunday Mass.
Quoniam tu solus Sanctus (You alone are the Holy One)
Tu solus Dominus. (You alone are the Lord)
Tu solus Altissimus, (You alone are the Most High)
Jesu Christe (Jesus Christ)
Most High? Most High over our puny thoughts. Most High above all our pretend gods. Most High above all we call truth or beauty. Most High over all our fears and woes. Most high over our small generosities and our unwillingness to attempt or effect a real cease-fire!
