The Sun Shone Bright on Deb’s Daylilies Fourth Annual Wine & Flowers Festival  

By Shelley D. Sheets, Staff Writer

SAXE – Debbie and Randall Parsons’ love of Daylilies started several years ago when they began adding a few of the flowers to their garden. Each daylily that was chosen to be a part of the garden was not done so carelessly, but specifically by how the name of the daylily variety reminded them of their loved ones. As time passed, the Parsons’ passion for daylilies grew and so did their collection. Today, the lovely couple take great pride in the 500 daylily varieties they have to offer in over 10,000 plants.

So, on Saturday, June 18th, as the bright sun hovered high in the delightful blue sky, the Parsons, owners of Deb’s Daylilies, welcomed visitors from near and far to their Fourth Annual Wine & Flowers Event. Upon arrival, everyone was greeted warmly by Dana Perrone, son-in-law of the owners/hosts. At that time, all visitors were given the opportunity to take a clipboard that had a list of all the types of daylilies offered, price of each and a handy place to note which plants the customer may have wanted to purchase.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed strolling through the gardens, gazing at all of the breathtaking blooms. While doing so, the sounds of folk, country, rock and blues music filled the air courtesy of skilled soloists/musicians Jason Frye (Waterford, Va.) and DJ Roller (Richmond, Va.). Hunting Creek Vineyards (Clover, Va.) was on site to offer samples of wines and sangria. Sandy McPherson, owner of the vineyard, was available to discuss the wines and offer advice on which of the beverages would best suit an individual’s palate if a recommendation was desired. Jason and Robert from Extra Billy’s BBQ (Midlothian, Va.) kept pleasant aromas aloft of shrimp kabobs, hot dogs and barbeque. Many partook of the incredible eats they made available. Each customer’s money appeared well spent as there was enough meat on one bun to easily make two filling sandwiches. Although both food and beverages were offered at Deb’s Daylilies Wine & Flowers Event, patrons had the option of bringing their own. Some individuals thoroughly enjoyed parking themselves on a comfortable blanket in the shade and drinking or snacking from items they brought from home. While some were buying flowers, eating, drinking, listening to music or socializing with new found friends, others played a game of corn hole or admired the race car that is sponsored in part by Deb’s Daylilies. It should also not go without saying several guests brought along their pets to partake in the fresh air and festivities. The Parsons welcomed everyone – those with fur and, those without.

During the Wine & Flowers Event, a guest of Deb’s Daylilies could look in any direction and see that fun was being had by all. This was the fourth year for the event and, while it is still a fairly new annual affair, one can see that it will become more popular and anticipated every year.