A Garden Star

This plant starts out in spring with unassuming grass-like leaves, then when the time comes it reveals striking star-shaped flowers, hence the name Star of Bethlehem. We have some in our yard now after rescuing the bulbs from a construction site. The flowers are only open on sunny days and make a charming contrast to the pastels of spring ephemerals.

Some call it a weed, but I don't mind it at all in my garden. The small bulbs reproduce readily and can be transplanted easily in the fall.

--Bernice Paglia