Mississippi – June 28, 2019

48 JULY | AUGUST 2019

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These beautiful, fragrant flowers of summer have been cherished by generations of gardeners. For festive occasions,

the flowers are brought inside to adorn heirloom vases or hand-wrought pottery, and gardeners, ever generous, fre-

quently share their aromatic, floral bounty with others, especially those who are celebrating a milestone or with those

who are bereaved or ill. With these fragrant flowers, gardeners continue to create memories for future gardeners.

Some shrubs are rather nondescript, nor do they have showy flowers. Ah, but the aroma is mesmerizing, and one sweet olive

is usually not enough. The more the merrier. These shrubs or small trees can be planted in large flowerpots or in flowerbeds.

Because this shrub is rather lackluster, many gardeners choose to plant it in out of the way nooks and crannies in the garden.

Even sequestered in the back of the garden the fragrance will perfume the atmosphere. Just be sure to plant a few close to

the outside sitting area, so the sweet olive perfume can be fully appreciated. Sweet olive usually blooms in late winter, fall, and

early spring, but I have found periodic blooms throughout the season.

There is something magical about moonvine. As dusk falls, the large white buds begin to sway to some unheard melody like

a charmed cobra. Eventually, the large, white flowers open, and the evocative, exotic aroma is reminiscent of a tropical island.

The scent of these flowers is enticing and attracts many night pollinators, especially moths. The seeds of moonvine should

be soaked overnight and planted in full sun. The vines will need a trellis to climb. These large, showy flowers, if started from

seed, usually bloom in middle to late summer, but if one is impatient for the show and the fragrance of these flowers, pot-

ted, established moonvines can be purchased at many garden centers. At the end of the day, moonvine adds fragrance and

drama to the garden.

Sweet Olive

Moonvine

Sweet Olive Moonvine