Gardenia scenting the air...

The Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) throughout the neighborhood, and in my own backyard are blooming like crazy this week.

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I have always liked their creamy whiteness and incredible smell. As much as I would like to, though, I don't dare bring them inside. I once put a bloom in a vase on my desk and within 2 hours I had developed a tremendous sinus headache. I don't have many allergies, but the gardenias send my nose into fits. I guess I will just continue to enjoy them outside, though.