The Lily of the Valley

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20311, 22 May 1934, Page 9

The Lily of the Valley

A Garden Corner.

Y^ t HAT are the reasons for the world-wide popularity of the lily of the valley? It is one of the most modest and accommodating plants, yet gives results on a par with the equally fascinating violet. Beauty of form and character, sweet perfume and quintessence of daintiness are all to be found in it. Above all, it is everybody’s plant. No special care in cultivation is required provided the plant is not disturbed too often. As it is an English plant the roots should be in partial shade, such as a border facing south or between apple trees, in good rich soil. The flower-

ing season can be extended considerably if different beds are made in warm and cold positions. The lily of the valley is a valuable market flower at Home, where it is properly cultivated. The crowns are lifted, retarded and flowered under glass almost at the will of the grower. Here that phase has not yet been attempted on a large scale. Consequently we get the beautiful valleys only during the normal season, about October to December. They are easy to grow, but respond splendidly to an annual covering of leaf mould or old manure. The name, Convallaria majellus, is from the Latin word Convallis, a valley, probably because of its liking for moist conditions. T. D. LENNIE.