Lilies of the Valley, for a splendid Mother’s Day

White coral bells, upon a slender stalk… I remember singing this four-lined round by the campfire growing up. It wasn’t until later that I learned about the flower in this lovely little song. To hear the tune click here. These tangles of Lily of the Valley “pips” are currently available in many garden stores. If you plant them in a shady spot with well drained soil, you should be able to enjoy the fragrance and beauty of delicate Lillies of the Valley by Mother’s Day.  Mother’s Day is one of those days when you never know what to expect, but no matter what the day brings, I find that the sight and smell of Lilies of the Valley always makes it better.  How thoughtful of Mother Nature to arrange for these unique bells to open each year just in time to honor all of the Mother’s. Lillies of the Valley line my garden walk,

Courtesy of Living in Russia

If you are feeling short on gardening space and skills, you could enjoy the fragrance of Lilies of the Valley at your local cosmetic counter.

Diorissimo perfume is one that I have worn almost exclusively for decades. The scent is light and fresh and predominantly Lilly of the Valley.  The body lotion is fabulous too, it is very emollient, and your skin will smell like you are in a field of these slender stalks.

oh, don’t you wish that you could hear them ring? 

 Crabtree and Evelyn has a line of products in the scent of Lillies of the Valley. Years ago the soap was made of glycerin and looked similar to the lime blossom soap below — I used to love to bring it out in the spring, the scent and color were perfect. They’ve changed to a white triple mill bar now, I haven’t tried it yet, it just doesn’t seem as wonderful without that intense transparent green color. 

I have tried the body cream however, and it is splendid.

That will happen only when the faeries sing…”

J’suis désolé to those of you who saw an earlier version of this post, it was most impatient… @;{}.

Speaking of impatient, if you’d like to enjoy these bells sooner rather than later, you can “force” them to grow indoors. To read how click on White Flower Farm.