I've died. And gone to Edith's Daylilies.

One of my favorite drives through northeast Georgia is lovely, winding Hwy 255 near Clarksville. Heading north, I know that soon the simple two-lane road - hardly a highway - will morph into 197. Which then weaves around the west side of Lake Burton. Another gorgeous slice of sightseeing to be sure. But before all that - there's Edith's Daylilies.

As you approach, a wooden sign stuck in the ground is all the warning one gets. And it's pretty much all one needs. Rising atop a perfectly landscaped hill appears a little white house. And all around it - paradise. It's hard to miss. Edith - yes, there's definitely a real Edith involved - has taken the grounds around her home turning it into a sweetland. If you happen across the scene during peak, you'll hardly believe your eyes. Rows and rows of lilies, in all shapes, sizes and hues. And behind the lines of botanical-garden worthy flowers is an old-fashioned vegetable garden. Behind that, nothing but fields and woods. It's an unspoiled world of loveliness Edith and her grandson Samuel have lovingly created.

At Edith's Daylilies there's an open door policy, with visitors welcome anytime. As they tell folks, "A phone call will assure someone being in the garden, however during the bloom season that is not necessary." The day we stopped by last summer, it was Edith herself who appeared - thin white hair in curlers no less - helping us choose the first of many purchases we'll be making. As friends and family know, I will stop anywhere, anytime to scour a place which looks even half-way interesting. Lily gardens no exception. Though I knew this venture would produce nothing in the way of antiques or rhinestone brooches, I discovered better: a charming lady who's been living among the same gentle hills her entire, long life. Warm and friendly and happy to chat. As if she were downright tickled we'd stumbled by. She spoke of the area and her family homestead where she grew up. Her sparkling white childhood farm home standing proudly just down the road. One of her sisters residing there still.

Edith likes everyone to know that mid-June is peak time in the garden. If you ever stop by that time of year, you'll note all the happy people strolling through the lily aisles, cameras in hand. Sun shinning down, fresh air, just gazing at flowers. All for free. You get the feeling Edith would just as easily talk about a canning recipe, as make a sale. There's no pressure to buy. What there is, are dozens upon dozens of fantastical prize lilies. Some gorgeously healthy mounds born 20-25 years ago. In front of each, a petite medal stake spelling out its stats. Our kids were floored to discover flowers decades older than they. Actually, that was one of their favorite parts of the visit. Seven year-old Hoffman ran from lily to lily shouting out floral inception dates. The whole experience was picture perfect. A charming open-air education for mind and spirit.

If ever you find yourself in that neck of the woods, do your soul and senses a favor and pull over. Hopefully, you'll visit with Edith. She can explain the colorful world of lilies to you. And if you have the time, a smidge more.

http://www.edithsdaylilies.com/