Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Simple Pleasures ~ Lily of the Valley

Step into our yard of a May evening and take a deep breath - the air is heady and sweet with lily-of-the-valley. All on the north side of the house they grow, in great green swathes of sword-shaped leaves dotted with sprigs of white.


Can there be anything more charming than these miniature waxen bells with their up-turned edges and their tiny, delicate stems?


They bloom so lavishly, and last so well, I indulge myself with a handful to take inside.


I put them in the smallest container I own - a vintage medicine bottle about 3" tall - and set them on the dining table.


Tiny though they are, they fill the room with their ineffable sweetness and tang.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posted by Mrs. Micawber
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12 comments:

  1. AstriMay 16, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    One of my favorites. I can smell them through the screen. :-)

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  2. Annie @ knitsofactoMay 17, 2012 at 3:22 AM

    Oh goodness, what a blast from the past, the garden of my childhood home was full of these and my bedroom smelt of Lily of the Valley all through late spring. Unfortunately the plant is toxic to dogs so I daren't grow them myself. Enjoy your pretties Sue :D

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  3. andamentoMay 17, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    Mmmm, I wish I could smell them for real. I've tried planting them a couple of times but they've never grown. We have ideal conditions - cool and shady. I should try again.

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  4. JulieMay 17, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    They are my mum's favourite flower. Your 'vase' is perfect! Juliex

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  5. Auntie sezzzzzz...May 17, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Awwwwwwwwwwww, I love Lily of the Valley...

    Oh and, does anyone remember the great "I Love Lucy" episode, where they were putting on a light opera, and Viv played a character called 'Lily of the Valley'????????????? I always think of that, when these flowers are mentioned. -gigggles-

    "If I'm honest I have to tell you I still read fairy-tales and I like them best of all."

    ~~Audrey Hepburn

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  6. needlekrafterMay 17, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    truly one of my favorite flowers; lovely! :)

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  7. SnowcatcherMay 17, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    I've never been acquainted with the scent, and that was my first question. You answered before I asked! They truly are lovely flowers, and you've done a great job capturing them!

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  8. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresMay 17, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    They are so sweet! When we walk outside and take a big whiff all we get is dust. :/ Hope you are having a great week. Tammy

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  9. MarigoldMay 17, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    Simple is great! Especially these days. Ours haven't bloomed yet, but hopefully soon. :) The Lilacs are out, though, and what a fragrance they have. Do you have Lilacs?

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  10. *May 17, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    White and silver bells, upon a slender stalk,
    Lily of the valley climbing up the wall,
    Have you ever wished that you could hear them ring?
    This may only happen when the fairies sing.

    I'm singing a song I learnt in the brownies....can you hear me?!

    Love the pictures, they look perfect in the second picture.

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  11. ellenMay 18, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    They are beautiful. I think that they would grow well here.
    I'll have to hunt for some.

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  12. GinnieMay 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Oh, yes! I love love love these flowers and their gorgeous fragrance. Ours are done for the year, so it's nice to see yours!

    ReplyDelete

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