two beauties

Celeste, Sonia's good friend, posed for me in the wisteria-draped entranceway of her Cloverdale home last year about this time.

As my trusty Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Gardening puts it: “For knockout glamour year after year, try wisteria. It’s hardy and blooms well in all but the coldest climates.”

I’ve never grown wisteria but for a romantic look I don’t think it can be equaled. The only thing wrong with it – too short-lived.

To propagate, layer stems in spring or plant semi-ripe cuttings in a cold frame in summer.

In the language of flowers, wisteria says, “Welcome fair stranger.”