Day Five: 4 December 2022
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
[A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 2, Scene 1]
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night
Our common wild honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is the only climbing plant that I have suceeded in growing in my garden, although it is more of a scrambler than a climber. It grows very slowly and takes 3 or 4 years before it can be coaxed to flower. However, patience is eventually rewarded with the sensual joy of catching a few notes of the exquisite perfume on a warm summer afternoon.
The perfect quote to go with your photos Chris. No one says it better than Shakespeare. The scent of Honeysuckle reminds me of my childhood… our neighbours had one growing over the fence near our back door. Heavenly.
Thank you Cathy. Even better than roses or jasmine, honeysuckle is warm sunny afternoons and romantic evenings in the garden. The essence of summer.
A lovely choice! Honeysuckle reminds me of visiting my Grandma, deep in the countryside. A very evocative flower.
Interesting how some plants, flowers and perfumes have the power to evoke memories. Thank you for visiting the croft garden.