FOR low-growing, spring-flowering ground cover a good choice is Lily of the Valley, commonly known as Lady's Tears or botanically as Convallaria majalis. Dainty fragrant white bells carried on arching flower stems appear in April and May together with pairs of oval leaves about 15cm high.

Usually recommended for moist soil in shady areas, Convallaria can be contrary and refuse to grow in apparently ideal conditions but thrive in poor, dry soil. I have some growing at the foot of a west-facing wall where they successfully compete for moisture with clematis, jasmine and a rose and put on a good show of flowers and foliage each spring.

There are several interesting varieties of Convallaria majalis including some variegated forms and one pink flowering type. C.m. 'Variegata' has striking green and gold vertically striped leaves and small, richly-perfumed creamy-white flowers.

A sunny place is best for this variety as if the variegation tends to be dull in shade where it may eventually revert to plain green. Other variegated varieties available are 'Albostriata', 'Green Tapestry', 'Hardwick Hall' with gold-edged green leaves, 'Hofheim' and 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold'.

Plain leaved varieties include 'Fortin's Giant' with large white flowers, 'Prolificans' and 'Flore Pleno' with small, double flowers and mid to dark green leaves. The pink variety Convallaria majalis var. rosea is a weak grower with small, lilac pink flowers.

Lily of the Valley is easy to grow and equally at home in a traditional cottage garden or incorporated into a modern design. This is especially true for 'Variegata' whose contemporary looking sculptural striped leaves were seen in gardens as long ago as 1835.

Planting details

SITE AND SOIL: Moisture-retentive soil usually in shade or partial shade although some variegated varieties colour best in full sun.

PLANTING TIME: Convallaria grows from rhizomes, which should be planted in late autumn at a depth of 2.5cm.

PROPAGATION: Divide overcrowded clumps in autumn and replant immediately making sure each division has roots and a 'pip'- a small shoot.

PROBLEMS: The rhizomes can take some time to settle down and may not flower for a couple of years after planting. It is said they do better in a cold spot and will bloom more freely after a hard winter. Over-crowded clumps will also flower poorly. All parts of the plant are poisonous and shouldn't be planted in vegetable or herb beds where they may be inadvertently harvested.

GRAND PLANT SALE

THERE will be a grand plant sale at Welburn Hall tomorrow from 10am-4pm. As well as plants there will be second hand gardening tools and books, cakes, produce and home-made refreshments on sale, a tombola and a bouncy castle to entertain the children. The sale is in aid of Kirkdale Churches including St Gregory's Minster. Entrance and parking is free. Welburn Hall is near Kirkbymoorside just off the A170.

Updated: 09:16 Saturday, May 25, 2002