Camellias (Camellia japonica). This year the camellias really outdid themselves. I know, I know, I say this every year. But the trees are LOADED with fragrant delicate creamy pink flowers waiting to put a smile on your face. The flowers are elegant, understated, and beautiful against their deep glossy green leaves. It was one of Coco Chanel’s inspirations and the camellia buds are an iconic symbol of Chanel’s haute couture line. When asked what she ate for lunch Coco Chanel replied once: “Madame, I eat a camellia, and in the evening, I eat an orchid.”
Camellias are originally found in eastern and southern Asia but today they are grown all over with more than 3,000 in a remarkable range of colors, forms, and sizes. They are highly valued for their very early flowering, often among the first flowers to appear in the late winter. They are such happy, cheery trees always putting a smile on my face and I hope you too. Come on over and have one with your lunch.
Published by Amy on February 6, 2018
