I love my job

While scouting Dudley Nurseries in Thomson, Georgia last Wednesday and full from a plate of fried turkey (thanks for lunch, y'all!), I took a few minutes to be thankful for the wonderful opportunity I have to work with great people at beautiful nurseries.

I'm one of the lucky people in this world that truly loves what they do for a living. When it's icy and windy or hot and muggy, I may question my decision to become a horticulturist.....but most of the time I'm happy as a lark.

After all, not many people get to stand in a greenhouse full of Fragrant Tea Olives (Osmanthus fragrans) that are in full bloom. If you've ever smelled one Tea Olive, then you'd know that over a hundred in an enclosed greenhouse will send you over the moon:
And the fragrance of Mahonia coupled with the glowing yellow flowers will make you pause for a moment in gratitude:
Lastly, everyone always asks what is my favorite flower. This time of year, it has to be Camellia. When the Camellias are in bloom, I get to wander through greenhouses and shade frames surrounded by these flowering shrubs.

Look at this Camellia japonica 'Pink Icicle'. The flowers are absolutely amazing. That pink flower set against a dark Charleston-green leaf is stunning. It has been my favorite cultivar for the last two years.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kari