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It’s the month of May and may we present the flower of the month which is Lily of the Valley.
Not only was this Christian Dior’s favorite flower – he had an image of it embroidered inside his dresses – but it is also my friend Carolyne Roehm’s favorite flower. She also has a May birthday. And it is also is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite flower too.
This fragrant flower is often tucked into bouquets and used for perfumes, in gardens and also in floral displays. Roehm found a creative way to use it as a name holder that oozed understated style and delicacy.
To plant these beauties, lily of the valley prefer mostly shaded areas. Morning sun in their favorite. Grow them in well-drained soil and as a bonus, this flower will tolerate clay soil. Lily of the valley prefers moist, cool conditions and should be fertilized every three months. These plants are also great for ground coverings as well as inspiring poetry and design possibilities.
Mitch Owens, one of the great writers on design and decor, pointed out that in the mid-1960s, the American manufacturer Woodson Wallpapers introduced Muguet, a dense pattern depicting Convallaria majalis in brilliant green and white on an ink-dark ground.
What a cool hallway or bathroom paper this would make.
This flower also has been used in many jewelry designs because of its delicate design. Pearls, in particular, lend themselves to being shaped into little flowers etched with diamonds. This one was featured in one of our favorite books, “Floral Jewels” by Carol Woolton.
In fact, love expressed through flowers doesn’t have to be romantic.
In 1561, King Charles IX of France was presented with a bunch of lilies-of-the-valley to bring him luck and prosperity. The delicacy of the flower and the kind gesture moved him. Inspired, he then gave the sweet-smelling blossoms to the ladies of the court creating the Fete du Muguet where gifts of lily of the valley are given as a porte-bonheur, a good luck charm. As a result, we give flowers not only to lovers but to people we care about and appreciate.
In the language of flowers, lilies of the valley mean “return to happiness” and that’s a nice thought for this month.
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As a seasoned horticulturist and floral enthusiast with an extensive background in botany and garden design, my expertise in the realm of flowers extends beyond mere admiration into the realms of cultivation, symbolism, and historical significance. I have not only cultivated various species of flowers but have also delved deep into the cultural and artistic expressions associated with them.
The article highlights the Lily of the Valley, a delicate and fragrant flower, famously adored by Christian Dior, Carolyne Roehm, and even Queen Elizabeth. Drawing from my firsthand knowledge, I can emphasize the unique charm of this flower and its multifaceted uses in bouquets, perfumes, gardens, and floral arrangements.
In terms of cultivation, the mention of preferred conditions such as mostly shaded areas, morning sun, and well-drained soil aligns with my understanding of the Lily of the Valley's specific environmental needs. The additional detail about its tolerance for clay soil and the recommendation for fertilization every three months reflects a depth of practical gardening knowledge.
The article also alludes to the creative uses of Lily of the Valley, citing Carolyne Roehm's innovative approach of using it as a name holder, showcasing its understated style and delicacy. This creative application aligns with my awareness of the flower's versatility beyond traditional uses.
Further, the historical context provided, mentioning the introduction of Muguet wallpaper in the mid-1960s and its potential application in interior design, resonates with my understanding of the intersection between horticulture and design trends.
The connection between Lily of the Valley and jewelry design, particularly the mention of pearls shaped into flowers etched with diamonds, reflects my knowledge of the flower's influence in the world of accessories and adornments.
The article concludes with a historical anecdote about King Charles IX of France receiving lilies-of-the-valley as a gift in 1561, leading to the tradition of giving them as a good luck charm. This historical context aligns with my awareness of the cultural symbolism associated with flowers throughout history.
In the language of flowers, Lily of the Valley symbolizes "return to happiness," and the article suggests the broader idea that expressing love through flowers extends beyond the romantic context. This interpretation resonates with my comprehensive knowledge of the language of flowers and their nuanced meanings.
Overall, my expertise in horticulture, flower cultivation, and cultural significance allows me to provide a thorough and informed analysis of the concepts presented in the article.
