Feature Flower for April - Lily of the Valley

Tiny and delicate but the smell is amazing. Yes, I'm talking about the Lily of the Valley flower. I have choosen Lily of the Valley this month because recently a friend of mine gave be some plants from his yard. I personally have never been able to start one of my own. For anyone who knows me, they know that my designing skills and my gardening skills are on the opposite end of the spectrum. So to say the least, I am very excited about the newest plant addition to my yard. Well this week, the very first flower appeared. Everyone probably thought I was crazy because I kept looking at it and smelling it and then making them look at it and smell it.  Can't wait for more flowers to appear!

Common Name: Lily of the Valley
Botanical Name: Convallaria Majalis (kon-va-LAY-ree-ah may-JAY-lis)

The flower is also known as ‘Our Lady's Tears’ as, according to legend, the tears Mary shed at the cross turned into Lilies of the Valley. Lily of the Valley has tiny bell-shaped flowers about 1/4" and are crusted in small groups of 8-12 flowers along a short stem about 8-10" tall. Desired highly by brides, they have a very limited availability, usually mid to late spring, and are very expensive. But if the timing is right they make some stunning bouquets.

Lily of the Valley also has some wonderful meanings: Sweetness; A return of happiness; Purity of heart; You made my life complete; Protects from evil spirits; Birth flower for May.


Interesting Fact: Lily of the Valley is also the national flower of Finland.

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