photo of a gardenia blossom on a bush outdoors

I remember a few things about the house my family lived in when I was born. This seems unusual, because they moved away when I was only three. One of my more striking memories, though, is that it had a brick front porch with gardenia bushes on either side. The scent was heavenly, and to this day the smell of gardenia flowers evokes deep memories.

photo of a Tahitian gardenia bush with multiple blossoms

Gardenias thrive here on the island, and we have several bushes of at least two varieties.

photo of a tall Tahitian gardenia bush with multiple blossoms

There is even one I can see from the kitchen sink growing over the roof of the shower.

photo of a single gardenia blossom above the shower roof

HA likes to pick them and put them around the house. This Tahitian gardenia is scenting the air next to my side of the bed.

photo of a cluster of Tahitian gardenia in a vase on a bedside table

And here’s a standard variety by her side of the bed.

photo of two standard gardenias in a vase

—2p

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