Ten years ago, my son presented me with a lovely little gardenia plant. I can't remember what the occasion was but I was pleased to receive it and have had it kicking around ever since.
Not really sure how to care for this tropical beauty, I just watered it and pruned it a little now and then.
I keep it in my bedroom in the winter which is kind of cool for a tropical plant but it never drooped or complained too loudly.
Then, in summer (our current cool and wet summer), I place it outside on my deck or I've even incorporated it into my perennial gardens by sitting it up on top of an old birdbath. It's made me laugh to see the birds land on its branches then fly away not knowing or caring that this small tree probably originated from somewhere where they migrate to in the winter.
This year, I have it sitting on my deck, sheltered from the direct sunlight (which is few and far between this summer!)I was excited to see buds forming about a month ago and was curious to see if they would fully form and bloom - this time.
The plant had tried to bloom years before but the buds dried up and fell off.
I've been watching it and keeping my fingers crossed.
And even though it's been a decade since the gardenia has successfully flowered, this year it did.
The flowers are a little stunted but the fragrance is unmistakable . . . .
What a nice gift - after all this time!