[puravida]

last year our lillies were wonderful - this year they are a bit sad and sick looking.

Is it all the rain? Not enough sunshine? Lack of a nutrient??

[WG.]

have you re-potted?  They look hungry to me

[puravida]

oh really?
might be it.

we repotted when they were very little - maybe even bulbs actually but nothing done since then.

[WG.]

I should have added that I don't grow lillies so am no expert

[Trillium]

Lilies develop fairly large root systems and don't like to be left in pots more than a year. They are also hungry feeders and if the pot soil isn't fresh each year (if they must be in pots) and general fertilizer added, they'll not perform well. They need regular moisture but not heavy frequent rain or the bulbs begin to rot.
If possible, plant the bulb outside but into a mounded little hill of enriched soil so that there's good drainage away from the bulb. You might also find that the main bulb has developed lots of small bulblets which are also draining the nutrition, so plant them out separately as well.
Whether potted or planted outside, lilies are definite sun-lovers so accomodate them the best you can.  

[puravida]

Wow - thanks so much!!
I repotted them both last night in fresh compostand gave them a feed too.
Fingers crossed!

[jackiestagg]

To cheer you  up - I grow lots of lilies in pots and in the garden, and know how to look after them, and a lot of mine have been poor this year too, lots had the buds rot and drop off. So I think not entirely due to your neglect, although it won't have helped! cold then wet then hot then cold again upsets the plants as well as me.

[Trillium]

The constant switching from hot to cold to hot has disrupted many things, including my peach buds which promptly fell off after the 2nd heatwave. No peaches this year  :cry:

[seadart]

How's this?

[garddwr bach]

Mine are pretty poor this year as well. Good advice from Trillium. Will do what he suggests after they die down.