Mid-May is so crazy in the nursery  business , I am surprised I actually notice anything else around me. But, I have to stop and ‘give props’ to two wisterias I cross paths with every day.  The first one is in the courtyard of my own store, ‘HOBBS’ gift shop at 2129 W.41st ave in Vancouver. This free-form invader has tumbled over from the property next door. I planted it there in the mid 1970′s , when I owned the florist shop that is still there.
       The first thing you notice is the perfume. A lovely, sweet scent that to me is very ‘Chinatown’ .  By this , I mean I associate this particular scent with the interesting gift shops and incense I remember from  childhood explorations in Vancouver’s Chinatown.  We have  a few  chairs and benches in our courtyard, and I often find customers sitting out there, just enjoying the beauty and quietness of this kooky little space. It would make  a great outdoor cafe…..

    The other wisteria in my life is very near our nursery. It is spectacular!!! I think it must be the form W. floribunda macrobotrys , which has flower racemes up to four feet long . This specimen is so fabulous, so incredible, that the homeowners have wisely sacrificed their double garages in order to let it flower freely. What a vision !
       Sadly, the public is afraid to plant these lovely vines. Legend has it that they will eat your house.  Well, if you are lazy, that might happen. But, the pay-back for a maintenance regime is so great, that wisterias should be in every garden. Not many plants take your breath away !!