In Charlotte’s Garden….
Photo of my Grand Duke Jasmine, a pass-a-long plant given to me about 20 years ago from the garden of a friend. The scent is sweet, heady and intoxicating….kind of like a mixture of night blooming Jasmine and gardenia. I had a newspaper clipping from years ago from the Times-Picayune that told the story of how the jasmine came to New Orleans. To the best of my memory it was brought over by the Grand Duke of Russia when he visited the 1894 World’s Fair here. I can’t find the clipping although I know I have it tucked away in a file or box somewhere. Maybe a local historian or amateur botanist can confirm my memory.
Anyway, it’s an exotic flower and one tiny bloom will perfume a room for days. After it dries it retains it’s scent making it an excellent addition to potpourri or a lady’s linen bag. I used to mix my own potpourri back in the day….when I was young and carefree. 
Today in Charlotte’s Garden it is hot…to hot to talk or think or move. I’m going back to reclining on the sofa with pralines and cream ice cream now.
Beautiful photograph. I can smell the flower
Ole Blue
May 25, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Just looking at this photo makes me feel relaxed. I can almost smell it! Simply gorgeous.
Hope you stayed cool today.
Lisa
May 25, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Ohh. So jealous!!
Nola
May 28, 2008 at 7:16 pm