Namesake

So let me introduce myself. I’m a friend of Tabbie’s.
My name is Aggie, and pretty much whatever Tabbie likes, I like.
Two peas in a pod you might say, but not identical peas.
I’m here for now at Tabbie’s request to keep this blog up and running.
You’ll see my spin on things, but in many ways this place will stay the same.
I frequently consult with Tabbie, without whose input I’d be completely lost.
I can’t promise there won’t be more changes in the future,
nor can I promise this blog will go on forever, but for now the garden grows.
It’s nice to be here in a garden amongst other friends of Tabbie’s.

Getting to the “Namesake” part of this post, many of you know that Tabbie particularly loves flowers which are yellow and flowers which are fragrant.
I’d swear nirvana is achieved when the two qualities combine
like they do in this great plant from Tabbie’s fantastic collection.
It’s called the Chinese Perfume Plant.
Having never been around when it was in bloom,
I’d always wondered why it’s called a perfume plant.
Two weeks ago I got the chance to smell it, and like an addicted butterfly,
I’ve returned again and again to enjoy the ineffable sweetness
which floats from the tiny yellow blossoms adorning this plant.
The scientific name for this species is Aglaia odorata.
I can’t tell you how glad I am my name’s not Aggie Odorata!

– Aggie Aglaia