Stephanotis floribunda

After having read Joan Didion's Year of Magical Thinking I finally asked a friend to borrow Blue Nights, Didion's memoir of the death of her daughter (the former about the death of her husband).

In the opening pages Didion remembers her family home in Malibu, with magnolia and stephanotis flanking the wood of the patio that had been so loved by her daughter; these plants were to be eventually destroyed by a subsequent owner who gas-bombed the place to treat for termites.

In any case I could not picture the stephanotis in my mind's eye and thought it a good enough reason to post about the tiny, almost elfen, flowers here:

• also known as Madagascar Jasmine,
• fragrant blooms,
• popular for use in wedding ceremonies,
• from the Greek meaning "fit for a crown."

More information can be found here and here.

Rhododendron Macrophyllum

In the mild climates indicative of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, even throughout the winter months, several species of rhododendron flourish beyond their usual blooming period (March through May). This can be extended through July or August and can begin as soon as January, if the weather's just right: moderate temperatures and ample rainfall when coupled with slightly acidic soil.

Rhododendron macrophyllum, pictured above, is the state flower of of Washington (West Virginia's is rhododendron maximum). It's known for its lush pinks, although colors can range from white to yellow to purple - and it also varies in size, shape, and height.