May 2nd

By Mutt Mulligan

May: The Month for Lily of the Valley

May’s birth flower is the Lily of the Valley.

With its deeply fragrant flowers — scallop-edge bells that dangle above bright, emerald-green leaves — this nearly deer-proof shade lover appears to be delicate in an old-fashioned way. But it is also known to spread readily and rapidly, and anyone who gardens in a small space will want to watch this perennial to make sure it stays in bounds.

If you are interested in trying this ground cover, read some advice from Martha Stewart.

*Note,   All parts of the plant are highly poisonous, including the red berries which may be attractive to children.