Scent and sight of spring

February 10, 2008


Evergreen Carolina jessamine cloaks my fence in buttery yellow flowers in late winter. The scent is even more delightful than the cheerful flowers. Ahhh!
I spotted a tiger swallowtail butterfly on the jessamine this afternoon, as big as the palm of my hand. Its early appearance surprised me. Do the butterflies believe it’s already spring? It nearly is.

Structure, though, shoulders the work of winter interest when blooms are few.

And kooky yard art. These mariachis play to an audience of pretty lavender blossoms on the trailing lantana.
All material © 2006-2008 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

0 responses to “Scent and sight of spring”

  1. So your lantana hasn’t frozen back, eh? I have a few weak branches but my neighbor’s has died back completely. I’ve seen the Carolina jessamine all up and down the MoPac this week. But the first sign of spring for me is that tree (a pear? plum? near Camp Mabry on the 38 St MoPac southbound exit. Do you know the one I mean? Do you know what kind of tree it is? It always blooms first.
    It froze out front, but in the protected back courtyard it hasn’t. I do know the tree you’re talking about, with the white blossoms. I wonder if it’s a pear? There are two more by the NationsBank on Anderson Lane that have already bloomed and leafed out. —Pam
    Update 2/11: Those two trees are still blooming as yet. —Pam

  2. jodi says:

    MMM, lantana…only about three more months before I get to buy plants of it for my containers. No mariachi art though…hilarious!
    Most lantanas have frozen here, but this trailing purple lantana hangs on through colder weather, especially in a protected spot like my courtyard. I’ll be cutting this one back this week in preparation for spring growth. —Pam

  3. Lisa at Greenbow says:

    Oooooo that Jasmine is gorgeous. And yes your barn does have that purple shade in this photo.
    The Mariachis are wonderful. I could sit and listen to them all evening.
    Purple sheds add a fun punch to the garden, don’t they? I admired yours too. —Pam

  4. Sean says:

    Wow, I like the mariachi garden art. Gives the space some character, thats for sure.
    Sean
    Yeah, three characters. 😉 Thanks for visiting, Sean. —Pam

  5. A few narcissus were open today, my jessamine has buds and the lantana all froze back. There have been a few butterflies around – Tom Spencer says they winter by hiding inside of clumps of grasses.
    That Green Hall came together wonderfully, Pam!
    Annie at the Transplantable Rose
    Thanks, Annie. I’m pleased with my Green Hall too. I used to have daffodils, but they seem to have died off over the years. I’ll look forward to pics of yours though. —Pam

  6. Priscilla says:

    I just had my first encounter with carolina jessamine a few days ago. When I went to a garden center they had tons and oh it smelled so good. I would love one if only I had the space.
    Isn’t it incredible? And as you’re in San Antonio, you can grow it, unlike our northern blogger friends. Carolina jessamine doesn’t take up a lot of room, Priscilla. You only need a bit of fence to enjoy it, or a trellis in a large container. —Pam

  7. Carol says:

    Am I to understand that right now that Carolina jessamine is blooming and scenting up your garden? Right now? I don’t think I’ve ever smelled one. My horticultural experience seems so limited when I visit your blog and that of all the Austin bloggers. It’s February! Isn’t everyone freezing and bracing for some snow tonight?
    Carol, May Dreams Gardens (Frozen Dreams Gardens today)
    That is correct, Carol. Carolina jessamine is in bloom, though it will take warmer days for the scent to waft through the garden. Right now you have to get close to enjoy that delicious fragrance. Which I’m happy to do.
    I wish it would still be in bloom for you during the Spring Fling, but I don’t know. It may be done by then. Perhaps a few flowers will still be going so you can smell it. And no, we’re definitely not freezing down here. It’s short-sleeves weather, irises around town are blooming (though not yet in my garden), and MSS and I have seen ornamental pears in full bloom. We’re on the cusp of spring here in Austin. —Pam

  8. wiseacre says:

    The only blooms I see are in day dreams. So too are sunny warm days since seeing your photos.
    There’s nothing I’d like better than to participate in the Spring Fling. Unfortunately I’ll be going through a seasonal ‘crazy’ period at that time. On the bright side I’ve at least found my way here.
    Yep, April is a busy month when you’re in the landscaping biz. Thanks again for visiting. I look forward to reading more about your upstate New York gardening adventures. —Pam

  9. I wonder if Carolina jessamine is hardy here. I’ll have to research that. I do so love your shed. It would look great with my split rail fence, and your Mariachis seem so appropriate to your south Texas garden space. Thanks.~~Dee
    I hope you can grow it, Dee. It’s a marvelous vine. Thanks for your kind comments. —Pam

  10. kate says:

    I am glad that I left coming here until the end of the day – I’ll go to sleep with images of the Carolina Jessamine bloom, the beautiful Green Hall and blue bottle tree along with the wonderful Mariachi players. How cool they are! It lifts one’s spirits instantly to see these.
    Thanks, Kate. I hope you have sweet dreams. I’ll tell the mariachis to keep it low. 😉 —Pam