Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)Hardy, herbaceous, late spring flowering perennial Description: Fragrant, nodding, white, bell like flowers and large, dark green, lance like foliage Habit: Grows 6 to 10 inches high and 1 to 3 inches wide; spreading Culture: Prefers light shade and well drained soil with a yearly application of well rotted manure or compost in the fall Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3 Origin: Europe Attributes: Deer resistant Jefferson documented This well known

Description: Wonderfully fragrant

but later named Hubricht's Amsonia

rigid stems

At one time it was thought to be a cure for venereal disease

In early spring new growth begins with light green fronds

its felt-like leaves curiously hold water like beads of mercury

~ If you can't plant immediately

medium green foliage

fragrant flowers with a deeper flush

We see not just his ideas and vision of America but come to know him in an almost familial way

and why James Madison is the forgotten father of American environmentalism

which is more robust than the common European blue flax