Garden Walks

  If one wanders about the garden at night, he/she might just be treated to a sweet aroma.  The flowery scent wafts about on the gentle breezes that come off the Bay.  It is strengthened by the heavy dew that, here lately, settles in just after the sun sets.  This aroma is not noticeable unless one walks through the rose arbor and on towards the greenhouse in the back. 

  I first noticed the sweet scent the other evening as I took Ms. Ez out for a late walk.  She has not been feeling to pert during the heat of the day so a leisurely stroll through the garden seemed to settle her a bit. Once we eased through the arbor and made our way near the fig trees, the scent suddenly was present.  Hmmm, this was nice but I felt the urge to discover just what was the source.  I did not think any plants were blooming.  

  Up in a raised garden box that hangs on the back fence, a few seeds must have been dropped by a bird.  In amongst the oregano, lemon balm and sweet basil, a few Four-O'clock seedlings sprouted.   It was these young plants with their first blooms that filled the garden with the most delightful scent!  Ahh, yes!  Four O'clocks are some of my favorites!  The old Bayou Dog and I stopped for a few minutes just to enjoy the welcome interruption of our hike.  Ms. Ez actually sniffed the air like she was enjoying the flowers as much as I was.  

  These small plants will make fine tubers which will allow me to transplant them into a more convenient spot than the herb bed.  I must remember to collect a few seeds and sow them in amonst the petunias. Then the old dog and I can enjoy many more such delightful walks!