The Sweet Scent of Early Winter

January 17, 2005 - When you work at the Park Board Office in Vancouver, regardless of your natural proclivities for garden appreciation or not, you are soon brought over to the "green side" after a season or two. With Stanley Park as a backdrop there is almost always something in bloom, either quietly so under an upper protruding leaf or brashly unadorned along a bare stem.

The evergreen plant Sarcococca is one of those shy shrubs with glossy green and leathery leaves displayed on a perfect mound. It fits in almost anywhere as a foundation plant or conspicuously placed by an entry way. For most of the year Sarcococca blends into the background but an upturning of her reluctant, green leafy skirt will reveal a glimpse of the ebony globe-like berries that are concealed there.

It is not until early January that this unsuspecting wallflower takes to the dance floor emitting the most heavenly of sweet scents when her nearly hidden, creamy-coloured blooms release their punch. The intoxicating smell of Sarcococca rarely fails to turn the olfactory senses on of every Park Board Office winter visitor as they eagerly ask the Receptionist, "What was that wonderful smell as I walked in?"

Introduced in the early 19th Century for general cultivation, Sarcococca varieties range between 2-6 feet and are best placed where they can be enjoyed, preferably near an entry way to home or garden. They are not adverse to a shady situation, clip well for short hedges and, once established, can tolerate drought.

But for the romantics among us it is best to recognize the shy and reticent Sarcacocca for what she is, still water running deep with a wondrous scent-filled personality.

Sarcococca plants can be found at many parks throughout Vancouver including Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden . These plants are available for sale at local Vancouver nurseries.

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