Pure white and common?

Is the Common Gardenia so common? Try to search for it in towns and there's a 90% chance that you'll hardly see it at all now. I used to see them in abundance in the sixties in village compounds or town houses. These days you'll be thankful if you can stumble upon one. For that reason I have planted scores of this shrub at my farm to keep it in ready stock. I plant it mainly for its scented pure white flowers and its dark green leaves.

Arrangement # 145

I have tried to keep the theme fresh and green today. Thus I have matched the pure white flowers of the Common Gardenia ( Gardenia jasminoides) with eye- relaxing green colours of young 'pandan' leaves. Would love to name this composition simply .........Fresh, Young and Pure.

Gardenia augusta or Cape Jasmine

Arrangement # 111

Apparently my camera was not its normal self this afternoon. The picture above is possible after many editing attempts.Hah!. Anyway, my focus today is the white, large and fragrant flowers of the common gardenia( Gardenia augusta or Cape jasmine).

Even as late as 5.30 pm I could find fresh blooms at many a shrub around my chalet today.  Having gathered enough, I cut a few bracts of the calathea lutea and recycled yesterday's heliconia bracts to make today's presentation.

The interesting thing about the gardenia is that it is supposed to be originated from the Cape of Good Hope ( Africa) thus its name Cape Jasmine.  However it is also native to China and introduced to this part of the world, thus popularly known as 'Bunga Cina' in Malay, meaning Chinese Flower.

However for me from the many synonyms, my favourite is to refer this plant as the Cape Jasmine because in today's world of aroma theraphy the jasmine fragrance is always a better brand name.

Thus, my title for today's composition....My Jasmine.