You thought I was going to say “stop and smell the roses,” didn’t you? How about a little twist? Do you have a favorite flower? I don’t really have just one. I blame it on working in a flower shop in college. Oh, how I loved that ‘job.’

Lilacs. They’re not my favorite flowers. But they are one of my favorites. I finally planted some of my very own. Two different varieties. One is a light purple. The other is a deep purple. I don’t have the card in front of me explaining the technical term for each bush. But I do share this logic, a bonus. They flower at different times of the spring/summer season. This is the first time I’ve actually purchased the plants, dug a hole, nurtured them and made them my very own. I planted both bushes two seasons ago. This is the first year several blooms have graced my lawn with their presence. Ah….how I adore the aroma and the colors.

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I lived in a home once where my neighbors had a lilac tree (maybe it was a bush, but that sucker was huge, more tree-like) that draped over into my yard. That was a bonus too. My back patio was draped in beauty and smelled like a botanical garden. I didn’t have to lift a finger. I did ask them if I could cut a few flowers for a vase to enjoy the aroma inside my home. Happily, they agreed. Those flowers were multiplying like rabbits!

I think that is how I choose my favorite flowers. Based not simply on the look of the flower, but also on the scent. With only a few exceptions. If the flower is beautiful but doesn’t offer a pretty perfume, I mostly think, ‘why bother?’

One exception to my ‘no scent’ flower rule (my rules, my choice) – is the calla lily. I love the grace, the simple, elegant beauty. I wish they had a pleasant aroma. They simply don’t. I won’t hold that against these gorgeous flowers. My husband sent me the most breathtaking arrangement of calla lilies when he was courting me. Take that as a hint. He paid attention to our conversations.

There are a few others like the calla lily earning my favorite flower distinction despite no natural perfume. Gerbera daisies, sunflowers, tulips, columbine, certain roses.

But I do love my fragrant lilacs growing in my yard as well as freesia, lavender roses, honeysuckle, lavender and herbs. You can’t beat a good herb. Or a weed. (Don’t go there, I’m talking about Queen Anne’s lace). It grows wild, often on the side of the road, on a farm or in open fields.

I also love when friends and colleagues inspire me. Often, I simply need a little nudge. A gentle push. My friend Katja has done just that with her Live a Little blog prompt with Skimbaco. I participate as often as I can. I’d say she has become a lovely flower for my garden of posts. Much like my very first blog post nearly a year ago.

This week I hope I’ve inspired you to go plant a flower that gives you great pleasure. If it is a perennial, it will come back to greet you season after season like a long-lost friend. What flower will you choose?