Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata' - Lily of the Valley

Convallaria tells us that it would normally grow in a valley, while majalis advises that it blooms in May.

Such a  marvellous perfume has ensured its existence in gardens since at least 1000 BC. Throughout medieval Europe the flowers were used to adorn Lady chapels and statues of the Blessed Virgin.

In England flowers were distilled in water or brandy to be used to cure headaches, hysteria and fainting right up until Georgian times. While forced plants were used as indoor plants in Victorian and Edwardian times.