All-Over Tote - Naturally Gorgeous Gardenia

This stunning bloom is the Cape Jasmine Gardenia. There are a number of different gardenia varieties. This one is distinctive for the initial unfurling of the (usually six) outer petals, followed by a rose-like interior bloom. Gardenias have a wonderful, faintly spicy fragrance that makes it a popular choice for perfume makers. Thought to be named after Alexander Garden, a Charleston, South Carolina, physician, gardenias have also come to be associated with the South. Once quite popular in wedding bouquets, the flower is now infrequently used in bouquets because of their sensitive nature. You have to be very careful with the care and handling of these blooms. If the bloom is handled too much the petals will turn black. Cropped from the centre of the original photograph, this stunning bloom was only one of several simply perfect flowers on the gardenia my maternal grandmother planted more than forty years ago. The stem was cut from the plant prior to photographing so that the blossom would be clear, front and centre. This gorgeous tote is an excellent choice for Mother's Day or as bridesmaids gifts.