Out of Sight

August 12, 2017

A whiff of cedar tree during my morning run tempts me to close my eyes and soak in the fragrance. Evergreens immediately conjure memories of Christmas garland, trees, wreaths, and all-things-nostalgic around the holidays. I hold the memory and keep my pace.
Beyond Christmas memories, thoughts leap to a former garden at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, which was my favorite. Tall evergreen cedar trees shaded the garden. On hot summer walks through ABG, I made a beeline for a nook in the back corner that held a small pool sporting a copper replica of Pan of Rohallion. (Rohallion is an estate that was built in New Jersey in 1887. The original Pan of Rohallion was commissioned for the estate. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohallion.) Graciously, water amplifies the coolness of shade, and I frequently enjoyed the secluded nook in solitude.
The path to Pan circled through a scented garden, which was thoughtfully raised to waist height. The reason? It was wheelchair accessible, and the scent of the flowers floated perfectly at nose level.
Fragrance is a pleasure that is difficult to describe. Sweet, citrus, vanilla, and cloves help evoke some of the notes. I imagine a rose was my first indulgence, followed years later by gardenia. We moved to Mobile, Alabama and discovered the intoxication of gardenia in bloom, especially fragrant on humid, summer evenings. At the top of my list is fragrant tea olive followed by peony, jasmine, magnolia, and glory bower. All white flowers--apparently, I have a preference.
Morning memories drift from ABG to a friend's struggle with blindness. The garden at ABG was a place where those with limited eyesight could enjoy the pleasure of plants. To our disappointment, this section of the gardens did not remain. Other plans took hold and ABG bulldozed this charming space to build a conservatory for orchids. I love orchids, but I said it then and repeat it now, Atlanta does not need more buildings. I felt betrayed that my beloved ABG would destroy green space and replace it with brick and mortar. I've almost forgiven, but I haven't forgotten. The garden isn't the same. ABG, you had it right the first time. Beyond sight in the garden, scent and sound create spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Here's to you, dear friend! Linked is a list of fragrant plants http://www.thefragrantgarden.com/botani…/fragrant-plant-list
Ahhhhh.
~ LowTide explorer, Carolyn Fjeran

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