Isn’t it amazing how a fragrance can bring back a flood of memories? That happened to me this spring when two very kind gardeners gave us some lily-of-the valley, some white, and some pink, which I have never seen. The plants were a most welcome addition to our garden, adding to the plants that Mom gave us many, many years ago.
I can still recall the afternoon, many gardening seasons ago, when a gardening friend of Mom’s invited us over for tea; a tour of her yard ended near a large patch of lily-of-the-valley. When Mom commented on how beautiful they were, her friend had a spade at the ready and dug out a large clump for us to take home. Gardeners are so kind that way, aren’t they! We were very grateful for her generosity.
The clump was planted in a shady corner of my parents’ large garden, and walking in that area in the spring was amazing, surrounded by the cool greens and the heavenly fragrance of that lily-of-the-valley. How I’d love to stroll there now, just for a precious moment! The scent of the delicate little flowers in our yard today takes me back to that special place and time in my darling parents’ yard.
If you have space in your garden, add some lily-of-the-valley to your perennials. They are very hardy, and grow well where often other perennials will not. They are zero-maintenance, do not attract diseases or pests, and will provide a good, thick ground cover that keeps weeds down. And in May, you will be rewarded with the delicate little flowers, tiny bells on a slender stem, and their heavenly aroma!
Lily-of-the-valley likes shaded to partially shaded areas, although ours is planted in an area that receives full morning sun, and it does just fine. It likes soil that has the richness added by compost or fallen leaves, enabling it to hold some moisture without being soggy.
The plant spreads by rhizomes underground, and here is the point where gardeners like and dislike the plant all at the same time. It spreads well, going boldly and without reserve where no plant has gone before; but depending on your point of view, it can be a little too prolific. For myself, I feel that it is a lovely plant and worth the trouble of occasionally clearing out some of the trailblazers when they get too close to other plants!
To me, lily-of-the-valley is a beautiful, old-fashioned garden standard that should be considered in any contemporary garden. I can see this plant fitting in very well in a traditional garden, but also as an excellent filler in a modern landscape. The leaves alone are very structural and beautiful, and the flowers! You know by now that I think they are very special. They are so lovely that Kate Middleton chose them as the main flower in her bridal bouquet; in the language of flowers, lily-of-the-valley means trustworthy.
Yorkton and District Horticultural Society members, please note that our next meeting is on Wednesday, June 17. This is a members only and significant other meeting. Please call Liz for full details.
Be sure to check out our website at www.yorktonhort.ca for information and dates on Horticultural events! Teachers, be sure to check out the Junior Gardener opportunity to get growing with your students!
Have a great week, and try to take a tour of your garden every day! It always changes and it is always beautiful!
