The fragrant harbinger of spring

White jasmine flowers have an intoxicating fragrance, the scent is most potent at night. Leaving work this evening I was overwhelmed by the wonderful scent of jasmine, which transported me to my mum's garden where she tried for years to encourage jasmine to grow over a trellis - sadly I don't think the soil there was conducive to that particular plant.

The name jasmine comes from the Persian word 'yasmine' which means fragrant flower. The name Jasmine is also used as a girl's name, meaning God's gift. In India, jasmine flowers are given as religious offerings as a symbol of divine hope, and the flowers are sometimes used in religious ceremonies. Whilst in aromatherapy, jasmine is thought to be an antidepressant and to promote relaxation while helping with fatigue and tension. The scent is often used in incenses and massage oils, and some cultures believe when jasmine is burned or worn, it will attract spiritual love, wealth, money and prophetic dreams. My local florist had a small jasmine on sale so I've my fingers crossed it will flourish with very little attention - they are so abundant here!

Out in the lonely woods the jasmine burns Its fragrant lamps, and turns Into a royal court with green festoons The banks of dark lagoons.
Henry Timrod