Taking a Breather.

Just one of the old growth Osmanthus in full bloom at the Historic Turlington House in Mooresville, North Carolina.

A little goes a long way. Such tiny flowers deliver a powerful perfume.

Take a stroll down the Osmanthus-lined guest path at the Turlington House and be engulfed by the sweet fragrance.

Just as pretty (and fragrant!) as they are outside. Twice a year the Turlington House is filled with vases full of Osmanthus.

There’s a two-week stretch in early Fall when a downright miracle happens in my garden. The Osmanthus blooms. Tiny delicate white flowers emerge at the base of hearty, evergreen tea olive leaves. Even the slightest breeze sends them drifting like snowflakes to the ground. Oleaceae is the proper scientific name. But all you really need to know is that the sweet scent is so intoxicating, every breath gets you heady with olfactory pleasure.  

When we moved into our century-old home, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the massive green bush that takes up good real estate in the center of our back yard. It wasn’t much to look at. I pondered whether to replace it with something smaller and more shapely. But something inside of me said “Wait. Live here for a while. Get to know this place.” My hesitation proved to be an important lesson in discovering hidden gifts that are all around us. That big ole’ green bush had a beautiful secret which is, perhaps, what I love most about living here. 

The strong perfume of the flowers reminds me how rich life can be. And though I anticipate it each year, the intensity of the aroma never fails to surprise me just as the sweltering, humid days of summer turn crisp and cool with the arrival of Autumn. It’s as if my garden shouts, “Change is worth celebrating!” This year, I’ve officially canceled all October engagements (unless they’re happening in the vicinity of my porch). If you’re my neighbor, I invite you to come set a while and take a breather.