This group of plants is includes hardy and tender herbaceous perennials, which are natives of Europe and most of which have been naturalized in North America. The name is derived from gala, milk, and refers to the fact that Galium verum has been used to curdle milk. Galium odoratum, Sweet Woodruff, is a hardy perennial, which grows 12 to18 inches high. This plant gives off an aroma resembling freshly mown hay and May wine. Sweet Woodruff makes a lovely ground cover. Its rough-edged leaves are arranged in little whorls of 6 to 8, kind of resembling miniature umbrellas, and its tiny, white flowers are borne in small clusters. Galium aristatum, Baby's Breath, grows up to 3 feet high and produces white flowers. C. verum, Yellow Bedstraw or Lady's Bedstraw, has yellow flowers.

Galium are easy to grow. They will thrive in any good soil in sun or partial shade. To grow Sweet Woodruff successfully, moisten a bag of peat moss, spread it 2 inches deep, and work it into the soil. Mix in phosphate sources and organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, also add an inch layer of sand. Keep the soil moist and saturate thoroughly if your plants wilt in the afternoon sun. In hot summer climates, grow Sweet Woodruff in the shade and keep the soil consistently moist. When Sweet Woodruff is growing actively, the leaves and stems may be picked and used to make May wine. Decant dry white wine in a wide mouth jar and add a handful of leaves and stems. Seal the jar and store it out of sunlight at room temperature. The jar should be shaken once in a while. After a month, strain out the green matter and serve the wine slightly chilled. Dried Sweet Woodruff is a lovely addition to potpourris; hang plants in a dark room to dry.

Galiums may be increased by seeds or division. Start Sweet Woodruff by buying plants.

Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff);
Galium aristatum (Baby's Breath);
Galium Mollugo;
Galium verum (Yellow Bedstraw or Lady's Bedstraw).

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Early Snowball Baby's Breath

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