Lily Of the Valley

I've been missing Lily of the Valley. I've asked if we can grow it here in South Carolina, and apparently were too far south for them to bloom. Last year in England, I was two weeks to early for the blossoms, the foliage was tall, but no blossoms...... Did Winter, letting Fall in vain regret A tear among the tender leaves of May, Embalm the tribute, lest she might forget, In this elect, imperishable way Or did the virgin Spring sweet vigil keep In the white radiance of the midnight hour, And whisper to the unwondering ear of Sleep some shy desire that turned into flower? Lily of the Valley by Charles G. D. Roberts Such a sweet smell, I can smell it now in my mind.....I wish I could hold some in my hand and smell them. Thanks to French Essence, http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/ ( for the beautiful line drawing above) The flower is also known as Our Lady's tears since, according to Christian legend, the lily of the valley came into being from Eve's tears after she was driven with Adam from the Garden of Eden. Traditionally, Lily of the Valley is sold in the streets of France on May 1. Lily of the Valley became the national flower of Finland in 1967. The Norwegian municipality Lunner has a Lily of the Valley in its coat-of-arms. My Jasmine is in Full Bloom here in Charleston. So I think I will go smell it and be happy I'm here, where it's warm in March and December...... Remember to take time to Smell the Flowers.