The gardenia is an exotic flower first discovered in China. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Although roses are best known for their beauty, I think the gardenia should hold equal place. In the language of flowers, the gardenia symbolises purity and gentleness. Another meaning is secret love between two people, but my favourite is joy, because visually that’s what they give me whenever I look at them.
When I revamped my garden last year, these were the first to be planted. They grace the path leading up to my summer deck and to sit in the garden in the still evening, the smell is heady and breathtaking. Thanks to our warm summers they flower naturally for many months, but when they have gone, I have this lost longing for them to return. To have permanent gardenias on hand really does give me joy. I think like the rose, gardenias need nothing else to capture their beauty.
Today’s design is one of my favourites, simply potted or topiaries, they never fail to please. To cheat the missing fragrance, simply hide a soaked cotton ball or makeup remover pad with the fragrant oil of gardenia and hide it down inside the pot or mist the petals!
Things to gather –
- I used 6 stems of gardenia
- Pot and foam to fill cavity of container.
- To cover workings when finished – sheet moss, stones or garden bark.
Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/astarsplace
Instagram: http://instagram.com/astarsplace
Go to http://www.astarsplace.com for more!
