I can smell it through the computer monitor!!!

LOVELY! I'm having a case of zone envy.....

Linda

Yep! All over the yard and in vases in the house. Love those gardenias. My favorite I have growing is Mystery.

Can you describe the smell? I've never had the pleasure!

Is it similar to jasmine? lilies? hyacinth? Do Gardenia perfumes come close to the real fragrance?

The scent is indescribable. Tried them many time in the house with limited success. Almost overpowering.

Lucky you! I wish I could smell it through my screen. I miss my gardenia shrub I left behind when I lived in zone 9. We used to cut the flowers and float them in a pretty bowl with water. For some reason that was the thing to do then.

Did you know the leaves are very good for making chocolate leaves? Wash and dry some, then smooth melted chocolate over one side and let dry. It peels off smoothly and makes a nice imprint from the leaves. Use them to decorate a dessert plate and people are so impressed.

we need smell-o-vision

Here is a link that might be useful: link

pam...maybe somewhat similar to a honeysuckle...but really in a class by itself. The perfumes do not come close, unfortunately... just can not capture the delicateness of the fragrance.

If you see one blooming somewhere, stop and smell it. It will make you smile.

sandy...hey, that makes sense. I'll have to try that with the leaves.

This post was edited by LKZZ on Sat, Jun 29, 13 at 13:51

To me, the wafting scent of gardenias is not as powerful as stargazer lilies but stronger than tea olive. The smell is distinct and I can't think of anything else that smells like it.
I have radicans, daisy, august beauty and mystery around the yard. I had a veitchi but killed it. I'd like a Miami supreme.
Estee Lauder makes a signature perfume called Tuberose Gardenia and while I haven't actually smelled it, I have read many reviews that say it smells like a real gardenia.

Gorgeous! I am very jealous of your Gardenias!

Since they are not hardy in this zone, I must settle for the fragrance of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and Linden Tree (Tilia americana) both of which are in full bloom right now. They are quite fragrant and are perfuming the front and back yards, respectively. :)

I LOVE linden trees! I wish I had room for one now but when I cut the Bradford down, that's where it's going.