1 I was up very early this morning and the ground was covered in frost. I went out in my dressing gown to get a photo of the frost on the Muscari.
Early morning frost on May Day
2 I planted some Lily-of-the-valley last year for my beautiful friend Kath, whose early death was the inspiration for my blog.
It is a tradition in France to offer a sprig of Lily-of-the-valley (“muguet” in French) to loved ones on the 1st of May which is a Public Holiday in France, officially known as La Fête du Travail (National Labour Day) but also called La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley Day).
Kath and Charlie loved France, had a home in Meyssac in the South and not a year went by when she either gave me a card depicting the flowers or a homegrown bunch, on one occasion bringing them all the way on the train from Yorkshire when we met up in London for a few precious hours. Now Kath has her own special place in my garden as well as, always, in my heart.
Lily of the Valley
3 We visited some old friends this afternoon and took along some Lily of the Valley. A pair of wrens has made the most beautiful nest in their wood store.
Tiny bouquet for our friends
Spot the nest
Beautiful wren’s nest
WordsFallFromMyEyes
May 4, 2013 at 8:56 am
Beautiful, Sally – just beautiful. And I enjoyed more commentary with this one 🙂
hjbryant
May 3, 2013 at 11:27 am
Have you been to Flora Day and seen the streets all decorated with lily of the valley and bluebells?
mybeautfulthings
May 3, 2013 at 1:54 pm
No! I really must go but can’t this year sadly – next year I’ll be there 🙂
Teepee12
May 2, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Such a brief and beautiful season! I’m going to get out and try to catch it in the camera today before it slips away and becomes summer! Love you pictures and your garden. And you too 🙂
greenbenchramblings
May 2, 2013 at 8:10 am
Memories through plants! A great way to remember those we love.
valeriedavies
May 2, 2013 at 5:01 am
I hope no-one needs any wire for a while…
mybeautfulthings
May 2, 2013 at 5:40 am
Me too! I’m sure that, even if they do, they’ll go somewhere else! 🙂
makagutu
May 2, 2013 at 4:57 am
I don’t which is the most spectacular, the flowers or the photographer. Your friend lives on, and in that way she is immortal!
mybeautfulthings
May 2, 2013 at 5:41 am
Indeed she is. Thank you for your comments. 🙂
Charlie@Seattle Trekker
May 2, 2013 at 3:28 am
Very special, I truly appreciated your lily-of-the-valley tradition.
mybeautfulthings
May 2, 2013 at 5:41 am
Lovely isn’t it? 🙂
babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin
May 2, 2013 at 3:25 am
love the story of your friend…and the lovely flowers…
mybeautfulthings
May 2, 2013 at 5:42 am
Thank you. Kath was a friend of 30 years and we lost her far too soon. 🙂
babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin
May 2, 2013 at 2:38 pm
I’m sure that was hard…but, honoring her in your way is so special…
mybeautfulthings
May 2, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Yes, it is – and I can remember her with laughter and love now rather than tears. 🙂
Kathleen Richardson
May 1, 2013 at 11:48 pm
I know you won’t disturb them, Sally, and I’m looking forward to pics of your grand-birds!
mybeautfulthings
May 2, 2013 at 5:42 am
I hope I’ll manage to get some! 🙂
lensandpensbysally
May 1, 2013 at 9:18 pm
What a wonderful surprise–house wrens bring soulful songs and many broods.
mybeautfulthings
May 1, 2013 at 9:26 pm
Yes, aren’t they lucky? We’ll have to visit again soon to see how the brood are coming along. 🙂