Happy May Day &..... Read This

Here's a May Day bouquet for you - narcissus, euphorbia, purple pasque flower, and Spirea 'Magic Carpet'. I wish I could leave one on each of your porches...Remember when kids used to leave  wilted little nosegays on neighbors' porches on May 1? 

Even though it seems like spring just got its belated start, May Day marks the half-way point between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice. All of a sudden the garden blooms generously enough to cut armfuls of flowers. Even if this year we need to coax the lilacs along -  I have a bunch sitting in a bucket of warm water in hopes their buds will open.

And here are a couple of new books that offer simple plants and garden projects - in case you're feeling only so ambitious (that would be me).

Tracy Disabato-Aust has written two big tomes on how to care for perennials, but in her new book she's shifted gears to write about plants that need little care. "50 High -Impact, Low-Care Garden Plants: Tough-but-Beautiful Plants That Anyone Can Grow" (Timber Press,  $16.95) has luscious, full-page color photos and clear advice on how to grow a somewhat puzzling choice of plants. From meadow rue to conifers, bamboo to bleeding heart and asters, the choices seem a bit random, but nevertheless these are all garden-worthy plants.

I'd never heard of Sean Conway - Target design consultant and TV host - before I picked up his new book
"Sean Conway's Cultivating Life: 125 Projects for Backyard Living" (Artisan Press, 2009, $22.95). The book is so much better than its title - and like most books from Artisan Press, it's lovely and filled with projects you might really want to do. From planting a bog bowl of carnivorous plants to building a salad table or cold frame, the projects use few tools, and each includes a materials list, step-by-step directions and inspiring photos, like the one below for a tabletop rice paddy...which, like the book, looks so much better than you might expect....

Comments

[Sue Nevler]

Happy May Day back atcha, and that May Day tradition's not dead yet...

[Eugene Carlson]

Something more for May Day --

This email just arrived from André Sacchetini, a diplomat attached to the French Embassy in Washington. He's returning to France this summer and sent this note to friends who he knows have a soft spot for May Day tradition. You'll never look quite the same at Lily of the Valley after reading this:

"On nearly every street-corner throughout France, countless vendors are selling plants, sprigs, and bouquets of the delightful Lily of the Valley. On this day, we traded gifts of sweet-smelling muguet (Lily of the Valley) to our friends and loved ones for good luck.

"As the flower became a gift to recognize virtues and good conscience, it is said that when the world was created, Lily of the Valley were on both sides of the door of paradise and that its little bells were ringing every time a brave person would go through the door.

"In the Middle Ages, May was the month for couples to get engaged and the tradition was to hook blades of Lily of the Valley above the door of your loved one. The Lily of the Valley has long been the symbol of renewal and spring and fitting that it became a symbol of happiness and good luck.

"The custom was introduced in Washington, DC at Café du Parc under a new English name, Lucky Lily Day® with guests receiving sprigs of the delicate Muguet. The Café added a small note to explain the French custom. Supported by the Embassy of France, the tradition provides a touch of sweetness and beauty in an often challenging world. As the custom grows, Café du Parc will accept contributions from guests to be donated to children and seniors in need.

"Happy Lucky Lily Day!"

André S

[online sunflowers]

Mother's day is coming this week,flowers might be demand this time.I'm so glad i have a garden where i pick some flowers for my mom.

-Aubrey

[Philippine flower]

Hey those photo are gorgeous,love the plants within the flower.I want to know the name of that plant.

-Ava

[send gift Philippines]

Cool flowers you have here.

~Ashley~