Gilding the Lily

True lilies of the genus Lilium (as opposed to daylilies, calla lilies, magic lilies, torch lilies, and so forth) are found throughout the world and have a history that goes back many centuries. The earliest known illustrations were produced by the Minoan civilization on the Mediterranean island of Crete in the 15th century B.C. Ancient Romans grew and planted them throughout the lands they conquered. By the Middle Ages, the white-flowered Lilium candidum became revered for its association with the Virgin Mary, hence it's common name, Madonna lily.
Even though there is a long association with lilies and western culture, most gardens sport only a handful of lilies at the most. My suspicion is this will change in the upcoming years, in part because there are many new hybrids in a dazzling array of colors and sizes, but also because of one particular hybrid -- 'Star Gazer'. This Oriental hybrid with upward-facing crimson flowers fading to white on the margins and a fragrance that melts the coldest heart has become a standard in the cut flower trade. As such, it has raised awareness of the beauty of lilies and is inspiring gardeners to add them to their gardens. The downside is that there are a number of different types of lilies, to say nothing of hundreds of cultivars, with varying growth habits and requirements. A basic understanding of the classification of lilies should help you get started.