"Sweetest of the flowers a blooming, in the fragrant vernal days. Lily of the Valley, with its soft, retiring ways." - Paul Laurence Dunbar
Spring in the Midwest is a particular thing. Sometimes lasting several weeks but, more often than not, only lasting a week or two (sigh). Usually Spring comes and goes so quickly, you barely notice it. But, for me, there is one clear sign that Spring has sprung.
For this Show & Tell Friday, I offer a handful of a Lilys of the Valley from my front yard.
Their slender stems are the exact shade of fresh 'spring' green. The tiny bell shaped flowers are pure white, with a pale golden starburst at the center. And they give off the most lovely scent. Even a tiny cluster can fill a room with their spicy scent.
This diminutive flower (only 5" tall) looks fragile, but looks can be decieving. Lily of the Valley is a hardy perennial, doesn't care what type of soil she is planted in. She prefers the cool shade; but doesn't mind the sun and can weather the winter with ease. Sadly her bloom time is short (2-5 weeks), but her leaves remain a vibrant green until late September.
~~~~~~~~~~
"In her honesty and worth. Ah, she blooms in truth and virtue in the quiet nooks of the earth."
~~~~~~~~~~
And, once she takes root, she quickly and easily spreads her fragrant delicate beauty. Tomorrow I am gifting myself with an hour or two, to transplant some of my Lilys of the Valley to other parts of my garden.
Yes, the Lily of the Valley's bloom time is too short.
Oh, but while she blooms, she is glorious!
Vivre! Rire! Aimer!
Temple
No comments:
Post a Comment