Lily Of The Valley

I love Lily of the Valleys. My mom had lots of them growing down the side of the house when I was a kid. I have a small patch of them growing. I was so happy when I saw them growing, they bring back lots of childhood memories. My Hostas are going good. The lady across the street gave me a few clumps, I dug a whole and dropped the clumps in. They have been going wild. People are always wanting some starts from them. I want to dig some up and spread them around. I have an area that has lots of stumps that will be a bear to dig up. I figured I could let the hostas grow there and fill that area in. I am hoping you get some good response, I would like to also know when is the best time to transplant hostas.

Hi Grandpa Bob, I love these flowers. They're some of my favourites, and since you're so good at bringing back childhood memories for me, you've done just that (again.) My mom used to grow these, and they were just so pretty and fragrant. I can't give you any gardening advice, since I didn't inherit my mom's green thumb. However, if I were closer to you, I'd love it if you'd give me some, and I'd have somebody plant them for me. By the way, how are you feeling these days? Take care.

I planted a few lilies of the valley a few years back, and this year they really seem to have multiplied. I just love 'em.. plus they grow in the shade! (Hooray!) I love 'em when they're jsut shoots too, not just as flowers, those pretty bells.. yes, I suppose I should thin some out, and get them started in other areas! hmmm. so much to do.. so little time.. Hostas? did you say hastas? Don't remind me.. I have to rescue some from encroaching blackberry bushes.. which is a good thing.. as I want the blackberries and it means our border is finally filling in.. first a layer of honeysuckle (from seeds I spread) and lilacs I transplanted, followed by the blackberries.. Every year I love to see the spreading lily of the valley..

I have never separated and spread them, so no advice here... we've only ever had a small patch - but don't they have the most delightful scent?

That's another thing I didn't know I had here that has sprouted all over. I've got about 10 plants out there now and about half are already flowering. I had some growing in MN too and dug up a bunch and moved it around, but have no idea when it was that I did it. It was probably as it flowered since I had no idea what it was before it did. I think they did ok. Here's a pic of mine with the lily. Bob, do you know what type of lily it is? I don't know if it's an Easter Lily or Asiatic or what. It has a sort of peach fuzz the whole length of the stock. It's not a mold or anything, it's supposed to be there, but I don't know much about lilies.

They are a lot of work but a lot of enjoyment.. I took one large Hosta a few years back and ended up with about 20 of them before I knew it, just by dividing them.. I had them placed all over my yard in different areas, they were fantastic.. When I moved to my new house about 10 yrs ago, I brought some with me and am dividing again.. I now have about 15 in my yard and more in my neighbors yard that I shared with her.. Don't you just love it??, although it is hard work.. As far as the lillies, I can't say for sure when it would be best to transplant them. Good luck to you anyway..