The fast-growing foliage of daylilies covers up the ripening (yellowing) leaves of daffodils that have already bloomed. Customer photo by MaryLou Payne of Macedonia, Ill. "My garden brings me joy every day. Most evenings, after my deadheading and watering duties are done, I sit in my favorite chair (upper right) to just peacefully look at the garden and ponder what my next plant additions will be."

Daffodils are always a welcome sight. They're a sure sign that spring has finally arrived, and their bright colors are the perfect balm for the winter-weary gardener. Unfortunately, once daffodils have bloomed, they do not age gracefully. After about six weeks, the foliage will gradually begin to yellow and flop over. Though it doesn't look very attractive, the foliage should not be removed. During this "ripening" stage the leaves are producing the energy the bulb needs to form next year's flowers. Once the leaves are fully yellow, the foliage can be trimmed back or removed.

But what to do in the meantime? Companion planting is an easy, low-maintenance technique. In other words, plant the daffodils with something that will mature a little later and cover the ripening foliage. Daylilies make excellent companions because they can be planted at the same time as daffodils and their fast-growing leaves cover the daffodil foliage quickly.

Spacing tip: If you're combining daffodils and daylilies, plan to use one or two daylilies and four or five daffodil bulbs per square foot.

The only maintenance a daffodil-daylily bed will need is a quick raking in very early spring to remove the old daylily foliage. Both of these plants are hardy, pest- and disease-resistant, tolerate poor soil, and thrive in full sun or partial shade. Daffodils should be planted in the fall. Daylilies may be planted spring or fall.