jasmine's summer blossoms

Early August has a mere hint of the heady perfume that permeates the early days of July.

Here in L.A. jasmine creeps up phone poles, winds itself through hedges, hangs luxuriantly over stone fences. Its omnipresence is only rivaled by the cackles & coos of crows & pigeons.

Positively thriving in warm or temperate climates, the white flowers of j. officianale, or Common Jasmine, are everywhere in this Mediterranean-esque climate. To call something so intoxicating as this lusty scented plant “Common” seems, well, so common. Not fair, really. I mean, yes, it does sort of grow like a weed out here, but, my what an absolutely bewitching perennial to take for granted.

Jasmine has always reminded me of faraway places. The first I was aware of this famed scent was from a bottle of Spanish jasmine water my Aunt Jilla kept covetously on her vanity in the master bath, The precious foreign scroll work design of the bottle held inside a scent that was the epitome of class and exoticism to me then.

from a vine that reaches the top of a light pole.

The mythic white blossoms release their perfume in the evening hours, adding to Jasmine’s romantic airs. Folklore says dried flowers added to a sachet will attract love, one more spiritual than physical. It is associated with the moon, the god Vishnu and highly revered in many religious traditions.

Buddhist ceremonies employ garlands of jasmine where they stand as a symbol of respect. In Java they use lavish garlands in wedding ceremonies and Southeast Asian women dress their hair with the redolent blossoms for special occasions. Some believe Jasmine will draw wealth and money if carried, burned or smelled in the bedroom it will induce prophetic dreams.

my first foray into enfleurage. fancy.

A member of the Olive family, the shrubs and vines of the Jasmine count up between 150 to 200 different varieties. Called Yasmin, the Poet’s Flower or Jessamine, this lovely little pinnate leaved flower is native to Northern India and Persia. The perfumers’ darling made its debut in western gardens in the English court in the mid-15^th century.

Aromatherapy claims jasmine oils help relieve depression, after an evening walk out here, you can certainly attest to its ability to lift your spirits. The essential oils also help sooth tiredness along with sensitive, dry skin. As the blossoms wane here, I am replenishing an infusion to use in lotions or shampoo. We’ll see how it goes.

In the mean time, I have been enjoying their aromatic company on my walks & plucking a few blossoms to add to herbal teas or a glass of water. You can smell and taste why so many cultures have become beguiled with this plant and if it is "common" then we are lucky to have such commonplace things.