Gardenias {Garden}

I have often wondered...how can this simple, pure, white, and beautiful Gardenia smell so incredible?  I have roses, lilacs, paperwhites, and wisteria in my garden but I think that the strongest smelling flower is that of the Gardenia.

It rained Monday night here in my desert {which is a rare event} so I was up ALL NIGHT enjoying it!  I checked on  Mama Hummingbird and she was sitting right on her nest keeping her new babies warm during the chilly storm.  When the sun came up it was the perfect day so I was outside all day working at home.  I had a grassy yard to  re-seed!

Doing the hard yard work is made fun by the beautiful sights and smells of things such as this Gardenia!  I picked one and put it in the car when I picked up my daughter from school and it was like smelling heaven all day!

On one of my trips to France, the Southern part this time,  I had the opportunity to visit the Galimard Parfumeur en 1747.  Jean de Galimard lived in Grasse France, where the perfumery and gardens are located.  In 1747 he created the Parfumerie Galimard.  He was the founder of "Glovemakers and Perfumers" and supplied the court of Louis, the King of France.  They still use the same process today and you can visit and tour the gardens, factory and create your own perfume!  Here is my creation and yes it is a Gardenia based perfume!  I quickly learned that, besides being one of the strongest smelling flowers, it was a favorite of mine!

This is why I always keep a potted Gardenia right outside my back kitchen doors at all times!  Memories of France in an instant for me!  This plant stays green year round and blooms Spring through Fall.  In my climate they need to only get morning sun and be protected by the warmth that the walls of my home provide, so they don't freeze in the Winter.

Favorite Urn for planting flowers in.

Budding Gardenia

Gardenia Unfolding

Blooming Gardenia

Withered Gardenia

My favorite saying is "A Thing of Beauty is a JOY Forever" and a perfect scent is an added bonus!  So what are you waiting for Spring is here...go plant one today...and tell me...what is your favorite smelling flower?