Lovely Lily-of-the-Valley

May’s flower is Lily-of-the-valley whose delicate beauty is a reminder that summer is just around the corner.  This little flower is of big importance all around the world, in Germany they are known as ‘little May bells’ as their blossoms are shaped like tiny bells and on May 1st in France this pretty flower is traditionally sold on the street in France; it is also the national flower of Finland.

There is no denying that this little bloom makes a big impact in any garden. Lily-of-the-Valley is part of the Ruscaceae family and the sole member of the genus Convallaria.  This perennial flower is surprisingly hardy whose blossoms have a deliciously heady fragrance.  It maintains its loveliness throughout the spring and summer; for as their spring blooms fade their exotic looking leaves stay fresh until the fall and add a distinctive beauty to any garden all summer long.  They thrive beneath the shade of trees and large shrubs; yet they are flexible enough to flourish even in full sun if they have to.

Lily-of-the-valley is a great ground cover for shady spots and as they are not that particular about the type of soil that they grow in they do well in most gardens.  When planting take into consideration that Lily-of-the-valley’s leaves, flowers and berries are toxic and so be aware of their proximity to children and household pets.  They grow profusely and tend to take over any area that they are planted in, so it is best to plant them in a contained area and not grouped with other flowers. The roots of Lily-of-the-Valley are called ‘pips’ and should be planted in spring or fall about six to ten inches apart to give them room to flourish and as they propagate so profusely you want to allow room for extra plants next season.   A shady, moist spot is best for optimal growth, but they can do well in full sun as well.  The flowers can also be brought in containers at nurseries throughout the spring and summer and planted accordingly.

They can be divided and re-planted elsewhere when they begin to grow too densely in one area.  Although usually associated with white blossoms there is a pink Lily-of-the-Valley flower called ‘rosea’ that is as lovely as its more famous family member. “You will find happiness” is the meaning of Lily-of-the-Valley and any gardener will indeed be joyful when these flowers bloom in their garden, happiness was never so easy to grow.

April is famous for chocolate and the Easter bunny but there is a flower that could change all that, the Easter lily. These gorgeous blooms, also known as Lilium longiflorum, have become a symbol of Easter with their white petals and trumpet shaped flowers, they are truly a spring delight and can add elegance and beauty to your home long after the Easter bunny has hopped away.

Easter Lilies

1. Easter Lilies normally bloom for up to three weeks in the right conditions; they like moderately cool temperatures and indirect sunlight and keep them moist but do not overwater.
2. When the blooms open up pinch off the yellow anthers so the pollen does not shed everywhere and stain the flowers. Cut the any faded blooms off to keep the plant looking fresh.
3. Easter Lilies usually bloom in the summer but they are brought to early bloom in time for Easter by putting them in a regulated greenhouse environment. So you could plant them in the garden and watch them bloom in the summer sun.
4. When transplanting, enrich the soil with fertilizer and nutrients to help the plant adjust to its new environment. Take the lily from the pot and plant it in a spot that gets a lot of sunlight. Mulch the roots in the winter and fertilize, then remove the mulch in the spring to prepare the plants for the growing season; then you can enjoy these beautiful flowers all summer long.

Sweet Smelling Narcissus

Narcissus is the Flower of the month for March and what a beautiful and beguiling flower it is.

Narcissus belongs to the Amaryllis family of which the Daffodil is also a member.  There are spring flowering and fall flowering blooms, which makes them a versatile addition to any garden.  Narcissus has a trumpet like flower with six surrounding petals around the center trumpet making a very dramatic show.  It has a heady fragrance and that is why it is often brought indoors as it fills any space with its wonderful aroma.

There are many different varieties of Narcissi, Narcissus Poetica, Narcissus Tazetta, narcissus Bulbocodium, but the most popular member of this family is the Narcissus Jonquilla as it is the most fragrant narcissus of all and is often used in floral arrangements.  Here are some tips on growing this lovely bloom:

1.  Narcissus is easy to grow, making them a gardener’s delight.  Bulbs are the most efficient and popular way to grow Narcissi; they do well in most soils but make sure that it is well-drained.  When choosing the area in which to plant your bulbs select a spot that will receive sunlight or at least only moderate shade; Narcissi like to be in the limelight or they don’t do well.

2.    Plant your bulbs between August and November depending on how cold your region gets in late fall.  The earlier you plant the bulbs before winter the better, as this will give them time to take root before the frost comes.  Try to plant at least eight to ten bulbs together as this will create a stunning effect when they bloom and also look more natural and easy on the eye.

3.  When the flowers have bloomed it is important to deadhead narcissi as this will encourage future growth and more prolific blooms.

4.  Important tip:  leave the leaves on the narcissus after they have bloomed, even if they’re yellow and unattractive.  The leaves have nutrients that the flower needs to re-generate, so leave the leaves alone for about six to eight weeks and then you can cut them back.

Narcissus are the flowers associated with vanity, but let’s face it they are gorgeous and add grace, beauty and a heavenly aroma to any home and garden.