“Most of us can remember a time when a birthday – especially if it was one’s own – brightened the world as if a second sun has risen.” ~Robert Staughton Lynd
I can remember that birthday. I was 5. I was wearing my favorite pink dress, and I invited neighborhood friends over for cake and ice cream. My parents took me and my best friend, Cindy, to our first movie alone. We saw Pinocchio. It became a sentimental favorite, especially Jiminy Cricket.
But since then, I have not really been too big on celebrating my birthday. But one thing I have looked forward to the last 15 years, has been making a vase with my birth month flower, lily of the valley. In Victorian times it was used to express joy, sweetness, and hope for a better future. I couldn’t wish for better sentiments year after year.
While I love white lily of the valley, I have a special place in my heart for the rare pink ones. But I had no luck growing either of these sweet flowers in my new garden starting in 2021. When the flowers came up, it was just the leaves for the last 4 years. Then when I was convinced I would have to do without again, I saw flowers forming. To say I jumped for joy is not an exaggeration. I also was convinced I planted white lily of the valley, but wished they were pink. So as these flowers opened, I thanked Mother Nature for granting my birthday wish.
And so this year I made my dreams come true. Simple but so joyful this little vase of pink lily of the valley. I surrounded them with Aquilegia or Columbine leaves. A heavenly scent reminding me of another trip around the sun. Oh and my birthday is tomorrow, the 26th.
With this sweet little vase, I am linking in with the wonderful meme, In A Vase On Monday, from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. All the pictures shared in this post were taken with my Nikon Coolpix or iPhone camera. All were enhanced with the Prisma app except the third one which was made with the Waterlogue app.
All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Gardens Eye View, 2010-2026. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.
Happy Birthday Friend ♡♡♡
Happy birthday
Thanks so much Linda!
Oh, that’s so sweet, Donna. ❤️ Those pink Lilies of the Valley are really special. Now I’m picturing a special little girl in a pink dress. It’s wonderful to have memories like that. Now I’ll have to think of my favorite birthday memories–thank you for that gift of remembering. Happy Birthday!
Oh what a moment of serendipity, Donna – hopefully the pink lily-of the-valley will now return every year for your birthday, Have lovely day tomorrow
Thanks so much. And fingers crossed for its return.
Donna, wishing you the happiest of birthdays tomorrow. Thank you for today’s vase filled with lily-of-the-valley. They grew wild around my grandmother’s house. The aroma in the springtime… heavenly! We also had a patch of them in a corner of our backyard. My mom was always thrilled when they first bloomed and I would bring her a small bouquet for one of her many tiny vases. She’s been gone more than 50 years, and when these sweet flowers bloom, I have so many emotions and joyful memories flood back into my head and heart. I have my own small patch of lily-of-the-valley in our side yard. They bring joy to my heart and fond memories of my mom, the innocence of childhood and so much love. May your birthday be filled with joy!
Jennifer thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I love hearing how flowers can bring memories flooding back for us. And thank you for the birthday wishes!
I never even knew there were pink lilies-of-the valley! They’re beautiful. Happy birthday Donna!
Years ago when I first saw them in a catalog I had to have them. They are just so special. Thanks so much Kris!
Wow, pink ones! I have never seen them before! How lucky you were to get the colour you wanted. Many happy returns Donna!
Thanks so much Cathy. Yes I feel lucky to have these special flowers.
Well, Happy Birthday and beautiful flowers.
Thanks Janice.
The pink lily of the valley is a bit rare here. Some areas on the outskirts of our neighborhood woods have been naturalized with the white variety. It was rainy here and I missed picking them, so I doubly enjoyed your photos. Lily of the Valley was a favorite of my mother as it was her birth flower too.
It is such a special flower. For its fairy-like quality and amazing scent. Glad you enjoyed the special pink variety.
Happy Birthday, Donna! I’ve never known a pink lily of the valley. So happy for you that one arrived at this tme. The Victorians were on to something weren’t they? Wishing you all the qualities your flower can bring: joy, sweetness, and hope for a better future.
Thanks so much Susie!! Glad I could share them with you.
Awwww, pink lily of the valley is so pretty! I’m glad you spotlighted it. Yours bloomed just a week before mine! That’s especially weird since I believe you’re a few zones ahead of me (mine is 4). Is that the same ‘Rosea’ variety as mine? Because that sounds like exactly the pattern mine went through too — years of leaves and then this year I actually got flowers. Meanwhile, it’s been slowly spreading, so I’m hoping that means next year they will put on even more of a show…
Yes I border zone 6. But our winter and colder spring delayed the garden and the lily of the valley. Here’s hoping we both have more and more pink blooms each spring.