Smells Like Home

Of all the smells in and around a Southern garden, one of my favorites has to be honeysuckle. It grows wild behind our house at the edge of the back yard. That delightful sugary sweet smell hangs in the air, providing a delicious backdrop to an evening's sinking sun, chirping crickets and the first twinkles from flirting fireflies.

Growing up, we'd play in the yard at my childhood home and take breaks between King of the Hill and Freeze Tag. We'd grab a handful of honeysuckle and gently pull out the center stamen, which would draw out the sweet nectar from within the flower. It was a poor man's Kool-Aid. Add a cool drink of water straight from the hose, then we were back at our games.

Most people list honeysuckle on the same page as kudzu and other invasive vines. But just like with the blackberries that grow wild at the edge of the woods, I'm thankful for the honeysuckle. It's a tasty treat on a hot summer day and a wonderful way to bring back sweet memories of home.

 

Green Thumb Sunday

Join

Gardeners, plant and nature lovers can join in every Sunday. Visit As the Garden Grows for more information.

Comments

[Aiyana]

Honeysuckle always reminds me of my twenties when I planted a vine to grow up the pilar of my patio. I loved to sit outside on a summer night, just to smell the honeysuckle.
Aiyana