It's dark and the air is heavy and humid after the rains passed through today. Here in Florida we are in our rainy season so each day brings a new storm that dumps it's water on our lawns and plants. Tonight I sit on the lanai with the garden spotlight on the little pond I put in our backyard. The water snakes seem to be playing in the fountain from the spitter, weaving their way in and out of the plants. The lightening flashes off in the distant sky and the thunder rumbles in the distance. A stray breeze comes through the yard and suddenly I am overwhelmed with the scent of the night blooming jasmine! The breeze swirls around the yard and brings the scent of that silly kumquat tree, blossoming once again (third time this season), then I smell the sweet almond bush. As the breeze slowly dies down it brings to my nose the delicate scent of the Moonflower vine, just as I see the hummingbird moth making his way over to that corner of the garden.
There is nothing better for a flower gardener than to smell the sweet scents of his/her labor. Night time has always been a special time for me. The world sleeps while you sit there quietly watching. To have plants that bloom only at night is a special joy. You have to make the time to be there to see those very special blossoms. You have to forgo that early bedtime in order to enjoy the scents that only perfume the air after dark. Sitting in my chair, with the lightening flashing in the distance and the perfumes from my garden delighting my senses, I know I am very lucky. Sleep well and enjoy your gardens.
