Wisteria {Garden}

              Wendys Wonderful Wisteria
Chinese Wisteria!  The mere thought of it is heavenly to me!  Another wonderful surprise that Spring has to offer me!  I look forward to it blooming every year!  Here is the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

Here is the Wisteria bud that will bloom into the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

Here are a few of the twisted vines of the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!  {I think I have eight of them in different locations in my yard}

Here is a look at a dried up pod that is a remnant from one of the flowers last year on the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

Here is the patio cover I had built to support the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy! The little birds and huge fuzzy black bumble bees {my pets} love it as well!

Here is a view of the blue and warm and sun-filled sky that hovers above the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

Here is a look at the pitch in the roof which is directly above the huge bathroom window that has the most perfect view of the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

Here is a view of part of the backyard patio where Wendy can sit and enjoy the sights and smells of the Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

Here is a close-up view of the delicate flower petals that open up to form the long and beautiful {and more fragrant than perfume} Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!

 Chinese Wisteria {Wisteria sinensis} are classified as a deciduous perennial.  These vines are in the pea family {because after the flower petals fall they produce velvety seed pods that resemble pea pods}.  They are vigorous growers and should be supported.  Some say they are invasive.  Love full sun, slightly acidic soil and are better for zones 5-8 on the US growing chart.  Wisteria are stunning, beautiful long drooping clusters of silky  bluish purple {white and pink are different varieties too} flowers.  Flowers bloom in early Spring {mine in LV usually early March but this year two weeks late due to cold} before the leaves sprout.  Leaves stay all Summer and vines drop leaves and are bare all Winter.  Need to trim {moderately} to keep blooming and under control.  If grown from seed can take up to 15 years to flower so buy one from a nursery that is blooming.  Growing and caring for Wisteria is not difficult.  They came from the desert region in China and do well in my hot Las Vegas desert so that tells you how easy they are to grow!

I have fond memories of visits to France and England where every arched gate, doorway, cottage, fence was covered in Wisteria.  Heavenly!  This can be a real focal point to any garden.  I didn't picture the huge arch I had built around my front door to support Wisteria there.  I'll save that for another time!

Check out this video of the world's oldest {111 years} and largest {250 tons} with {over a million lavender blossoms} Wisteria in the World, located in Sierra Madre, California ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyqi7vUHqNI&NR=1  
They have their annual Wistaria Festival every March.  Yes I would love to go!

So there is my little story about the lavender beauty which is Wendys Wonderful Wisteria that makes Wendy so happy!  What do you think of Wisteria?  Have you ever smelled their lovliness or seen their beauty?  I have hosted luncheons underneath them and they were magical.  I wish I could have you all over to view it!