As spring unfolds the delights of the garden gradually reveal themselves and almost every day something new unfurls tentative green leaves or delicate fresh blooms. Suddenly a new perfume wafts its way into the consciousness and we discover another hidden gem.
One such bringer of joy is the beautiful lily of the valley, or convallaria. The tiny, bell-like flowers hide shyly amongst the long spear-like green leaves like fragile strings of pearls and the sudden breath of perfume energises the senses. It is said that when the lily of the valley blooms, happiness returns. Another belief is that the nightingale, one of our songful migrant warblers, will not return until this jewel-like flower blooms.
Christian legend tells that the tears Mary shed at the foot of the cross fell to the ground and were turned into these pure white, delicate flowers. The Victorians loved to assign qualities to flowers – lilies of the valley represented beauty, purity, sweetness and humility – for this reason they often find place in wedding bouquets.
The French name, porte-bonheur, means ‘bringer of happiness’ and it is traditional to carry posies of lilies on May Day, to celebrate the arrival of spring. The scent of the plant is renowned for alleviating depression and bringing a sense of wellbeing and security. (But, like so many plants that look and smell wonderful, it is poisonous if eaten.)
Much loved by perfumers lily of the valley provides high notes for many soaps and scents. It has always been popular – but to encounter it in its natural setting is exceptionally special.