Monday, June 10, 2013

ABC Wednesday
June 12th, 2013

The letter is V
 
The nicest thing I can think of in the flower/plant line is the Korean Spice Viburnum

 
 
A deciduous flowering shrub
reaching four to six feet in height, although the Compact variety stays a bit smaller.
 
Often planted at entranceways or close to windows
it is the  Crème do la Crème of the Garden when it comes to fragrance!!
The aroma is sweet, but of even greater appeal is the
sharpness of the spicy scent that some say reminds them of cloves.
 

If I had a lovely garden gate as here depicted, I would plant a Korean Viburnum
 and visitors would be overcome by the romanticism
and the intriguing fragrance. 
 
(The picture is entitled a Country Garden Gate
and the artist is David Lloyd Glover)
 
We had a lovely Korean Viburnum in the garden on 10th, but it was unfortunately
too large to move, and I have never been back to obtain clippings
to root, alas.
 
Even more 'alas' none of the local nurseries seem to be able to obtain this shrub
though I ask every spring.
 
These bushes are among the many plants that attract butterflies, and
small birds feed on the berries in the fall.
 
 
Of course there is also the sweet, retiring violet, whose lovely scent is
also known amongst
Lovers, Sweet Old Grandmothers. and anyone else
who yearns for the first flowers of spring.
 
 
 
For more V's visit here at ABC Wednesday
with thanks to all who maintain this great meme

16 comments:

Reader Wil said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Reader Wil said...

Sorry, I deleted my first comment, for I saw a mistake in it. Well, what I wanted to say was: I found your Viburnum very decorative and you described it so vividly that I could almost smell its sweet and spicy scent. It's a pity you can't buy it anymore. Fortunately the violets are always there.
Have a great week, Hildred.
Wil, ABCW Team.

Nana Jo said...

I can smell the sweet, spicy scent of that delicious Viburnum in your words. What a garden of delight you possess and share. Thank you.

Nonnie said...

I wish I were there smelling the fragrant VIBURNUM! the gate in the photo is beckoning me to walk through!

photowannabe said...

My Mother's name was Violet so I have a special place in my heart for them.
Nice post. I hope you can get some clippings sometime or a plant from the nursery.

Leslie: said...

What a great suggestion for my own garden!

Leslie
abcw team

Roger Owen Green said...

they are quite VIBRANT!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Shady Gardener said...

Hildred, you have a beautiful blog here. In fact, you have several! :-) I would agree about your viburnum!! Are you able to mail order? This is how I get many of my plants.

Carver said...

Wonderful choices for V. I've always loved viburnum. There are so many different varieties that I like of viburnum. Carver, ABC Wed. Team

uberrhund said...

Beautiful shrub! I think a childhood playmate's grandmother had there along her back porch, they smelled wonderful and attracted all manner of stinging insects, we just called them "Bee Bushes" and ran by quickly! Now, thanks to you, I know their proper name!

Unknown said...

Thats a vivid description and post. Very Nice

<a href="http://throodalookingglass.com/vibrant-nature/>PhenoMenon</a>

Gerald (SK14) said...

you've captured the flutterby very well indeed

Ann said...

Well it looks like a beautiful bush, I will have to look for it here. The fragrance must be delicious.
Ann

magiceye said...

Beautiful takes on the theme

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The viburnum is beautiful; I don't know this plant at all and wish I did (the scent sounds lucious). I do know and love violets. Of course, because I am a sweet old grandmother... well, or at least two out of the three!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Hello again Hildred

Beautiful pictures of lovely flowers - I can almost smell them.

A x