There's nothing like the fragrance exuded from the spring blooming woodland ground cover, lily of the valley [1]. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have this experience in the middle of the winter? Like tulips, lilies of the valley can be forced for an early indoor bloom.

You will need about a dozen dormant roots, or "pips". Obtain these either from a mail order catalog, or dig some of your own in the fall before the ground freezes. If you dig your own, be sure to dig deep enough to keep the roots intact. Store the pips in a plastic bag full of peat moss where they will be cold, but not frozen.

When you are ready to force them, fill a shallow bulb pot with potting soil to the half way mark. Place the pips on top of the potting soil with their tips pointed upright, spacing them evenly [2]. Cover with additional soil until only the tips show. Water well and place the pot in a bright location at room temperature. In three to four weeks flowers should appear.