Gardenias – Flowers Of The South

Gardenias: 

No plant expresses the grace of the South like a gardenia.   The sweet, exotic aroma fills my mind with memories of hot summer evenings on my Granny’s front porch.  Sitting on that East Texas porch as a young girl, I watched the clear starry skies and took in the intoxicating fragrance of the gardenias that surrounded the porch.

As my parents, aunts and uncles sat on that porch and talked, my thoughts were easily  transformed into young girl dreams.  Dreams of young love and an unlimited future.   Cinderella and Prince Charming thoughts.  Growing up and continuing to live in Wonderland.  Carefree days and endless nights.

I walked out on my front porch this morning to a gardenia bush full of blooms.  I quickly rushed down the steps and took in the full aroma of the small white flowers.  I cut several blooms and they now float in a crystal bowl in my kitchen so I can smell them throughout the day.

When I smell gardenias I am transformed back to a small girl feeling safe and loved by my family.  I think of days long gone when there was nothing on my mind except fun and adventures and dreams.    I think of peace and tranquility, of love, of family, of youth.

What do gardenias remind you of?

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