Friday, March 2, 2012

Lily of the Valley Indoors

I have always wanted to try my hand at forcing lily of the valley in containers in the house, so a few months ago I placed an order with White Flower Farm for pre-chilled pips.
(Pre-chilled means that the plants think they've already experienced winter, so they're ready to sprout and bloom).

It was quite a splurge for a tight household budget, but I was truly excited when they arrived this week, along with a package of very fine potting soil, perfect for cradling the delicate little pips in place while they grow green and strong.....
















 




It was lucky we had the perfect ceramic flower pot - scrolled and fluted, with a lovely blue green glaze - stored away in the basement. After carefully arranging the brittle shoots in the soil, I capped off the project with a soft covering of fresh green moss collected in Erica's garden last May -


The pips have found a happy home in a sunny window in my top floor office -


I'm looking forward to sharing their progress with you, and taking in the distinctive, beautiful fragrance of those tiny white bells!

Linking up this week with:
Home and Garden Thursday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Tuesday Garden Party
Wow Us Wednesdays

12 comments:

  1. I have always wanted to do this and I love Whiteflower Farm's catalog! I'll follow along with your progress. I can just smell them!

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  2. What a wonderful idea. I love your pretty flower pot. I have lily of the valley outdoors but it doesn't bloom til June to July. Looking forward to your update. Thanks for sharing. Blessings,

    Lisa

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  3. I hope they bloom. Good luck! The pot is very pretty...Christine

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  4. I love lily of the valley, so will look forward to them blooming in your pretty pot. I'm your newest follower and hope you'll stop by and follow me on GFC.
    Mary Alice

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  5. What a great idea, and I love the ceramic pot--it's gorgeous!

    Athena at Minerva's Garden
    http://minervasgarden.com

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  6. My wife loves Lilly of The Valley! I will have to use your idea for here Bday coming up1 Please stop by and visit:
    http://theredeemedgardener.blogspot.com/

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  7. As a May Day birthday baby - I just love lilies of the valley - hope you soon are surrounded with bloom and scent!

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  8. Hello! I think they will look enchanting in that lovely pot! Lily of the Valley are such exquisite flowers! I know they'll succeed and I look forward to seeing pictures! Thank you for sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  9. What a wonderful idea! They will smell heavenly. I can't wait to join everyone once the weather here in the Northeast gets a little better. We have a few things peeking out of the soil, but not much. My Lily of the Valley is still under a little bit of snow!

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  10. Oh, how fun- I've never thought to force Lily of the Valley. It's my birthday flower, but I've never wanted to plant it, as it's a bit invasive here. This would be a great solution. :-)

    I look forward to seeing it's progress at the TGP!

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  11. I love Lily of the Valley. Indoors makes so much sense, as it would be easier to see the little bell blooms.

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  12. I didn't know you could force lily of the vally! I've tried tulips and paper whites. Your house is going to smell so wonderful when they bloom. :)

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