Public holidays are generally associated with traditions which are often accompanied by certain plants and flowers. In that way, the rose makes us think about Valentine's Day, and the pine tree just screams Christmas. Internationally, 1 May is celebrated in honour of Labour Day, and the plant that goes with this tradition is the lily of the valley.
We were allowed (at a distance) to look behind the scenes at the J. de Jong en Zonen nursery, and we asked owner Frans de Jong a few questions about Labour Day. The nursery is a family-run company that was founded 106 years ago. They grow a variety of perennials and shrubs, including the Convallaria, also called Lily of the Valley or May bells. Especially in France and Belgium, lilies of the valley are given to loved ones, especially to mothers and grandmothers, because the flower is said to bring happiness. 鈥楿ne Porte de Bonheur鈥�, as the French say. There are different stories about the origin of this tradition. For example, it is said that the flower is given away to celebrate the end of the winter and to wish the lucky recipient all the best. What we are sure of is that the Convallaria majalis has been linked to Labour Day since the beginning of the 20th century.
The Convallaria majalis is considered a unique plant because the sorting of the plants is a specialist job and is still done by hand. According to Frans, that is also a large part of the product's charm, because this makes it a real 'niche' product that is only grown by a few growers. And it is a refined plant as well; the flowers are delicate and have a delicious scent. The flowers are therefore often used in scented and bridal bouquets. A human eye remains necessary for sorting because the growing tip of the Convallaria shows whether it contains a flower. Frans and his wife still select every Convallaria they pot by hand. And what's more, the growers do not use pesticides to cultivate the Convallaria. This is not in line with the sustainable nature of the nursery. Also, the flowers of the Convallaria are too delicate for this.
Do you want to know more about the lily of the valley? Visit our webshop