It is funny how things work in nature. Most plants flower even if we cannot recognize it due to the fact that we are jaded in our views of what a flower actually is. The showy blooms that we see in florist's shops or in our gardens are flowers but other plants have tiny, nondescript blooms that look nothing like the aforementioned blooms. These flowers serve the same purpose as the showy blooms. They are there to induce pollination and then produce seeds. We enjoy the beauty of the blooms and a lot of critters benefit from the pollen created by the flower. Then, there are those plants that, not only create a showy bloom, but also produce an equally showy seed pod.
Yesterday as I was hauling firewood, I had to pass by the gardenia bush on the side of the house. Memories of the gorgeous white blooms and heavenly aroma flitted through my thoughts but as I passed the bush, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the bush was almost as ornate now. Even though the flowers are long gone, the seed pods were brightly shining in the sunshine. The pods resembled some elaborate ornaments and are just in time for Christmas. My gardenia bush has been decorated for the holidays!
In the next few months, these seed pods will turn dark and become dried. It is then that they should be harvested and planted. Either the entire pod can be planted as is or they can be broken open to reveal the tiny seeds held therein. If I was in need of more gardenia bushes, I would definitely be anxious to plant these but, since gardenias are so easily rooted by cuttings, these will probably slip my mind and plant themselves under the bush. Soon, there will be a hedgerow of gardenias between the Little Bayou House and my brother's house over the way. Not that I am complaining. I love gardenia bushes whether they are blooming or filled with seed pods.
I love the sweet scent of gardenia blooms as it wafts through the open windows. There is just something about all of that aroma that is the epitome of evenings enjoyed in the Deep South. Between the gardenias, jasmine, wisteria and magnolias, our summertimes are just down right aromatic! The Bayou has never smelled so good! It is one of those things that makes it possible to endure the hot, humid, sticky nights. Sitting on a front porch, swatting mosquitoes, drinking sweet tea and smelling the gardenia blooms definitely defines Deep South Bayou living to a T!
To make things even better, I often pick a large bouquet of the blooms, stick them in a canning jar and set them in each window. That way, the soft Bay breeze can fill the inner rooms of the house with the scent. This sure beats any scented candles or potpourri bowls since, no matter how they try, the chemists just cannot seem to capture the scent perfectly. After the blossoms drop from the stems, I just cannot bear to toss the stems and leaves. I know that if left for a few weeks, these will start to sprout roots and make new plants. I have several jars of "rooters" going in the windows of the living room. Plus, there are pots and pots of gardenias in different stages of growth residing happily alongside of other recently rooted bushes, trees and herbs lining the shelves in the greenhouse. These, I either plant or give to folks who wish to share in the lovely scent. I feel a bit like Johnny Appleseed!
For any who would like to root their own gardenia cuttings, it is a simple task. Snip some blooms for use in scenting the house. (This is a must! You will not regret having a vase of gardenias on the windowsill!) After the blooms yellow and start to wilt, cut them from the stem. Snip off most of the leaves and let the stems stay in the vase. Check the vase occasionally and add water as needed to keep the stems covered. After a couple of weeks, you should see white, wispy roots starting to show on the ends of the stems. Leave the cuttings in the water a few weeks longer so the roots grow strong and thick. After the rootball appears to be healthy, gently remove the stalks from the vase and plant in pots. Be careful of the roots! Do not disturb them if possible. For the next couple of weeks, keep the potted plants watered heavily. Soak those roots! Soon, the small bushes will put on new leaves and be ready to either put into the ground or in larger pots. In just a matter of two summers, you should have gardenia bushes ready to bloom and fill your summer with the most delightful aroma! Happy rooting!
