As I walk toward the garden the floral scent over takes my sense of smell. For just a moment or two, I forget about the oppressive heat that has begun the summer season. I stop and look around to figure out where this wonderful aroma is coming from. I know the scent but there’s more. I look to the right where the valerian is in full bloom. That must be part of it, but then I look slightly to the left where the beautiful rugosa roses are in full bloom. Oh, that’s it also!
Then I turn and look behind me and realize I just walked past the fully bloomed milkweed that grew next to the Rhododendron. I forget they are there as the huge Rhody blocks my view of the milkweed on my way to the garden. Their fragrance is divine. Then as I turn back around, I see this glorious sight. The 10+ year old Elderberry is in bloom. I am surrounded in every direction by beautiful, fragrant plants in blossom. Now I know why I couldn’t place the floral scent that is surrounding me in the yard. It is a combination of these fragrant plants all mixed together. The high heat and humidity are holding the scent of these flowers in the yard. It smells heavenly. I know summer has arrived. Not just because of the high heat, but because the Elderberry is in bloom.
The next time the high heat and humidity show up and I am melting, I have to remember this moment of fragrant beauty that surrounds me.
