Horticulture: 'Guay Hua'

 Osthmanthus

Fall is by far my favourite season, which is no surprise coming from a Canadian.

Though Shanghai leaves do not change colour, the big city has a few indicators that Fall is near or here; yam & chestnut vendors, plump orange persimmons at the fruit stands and 'guay hua' (osthmanthus) permeating the air.

Fall is especially a favourite now, because it seems to be the season we have waited for both our girls to arrive! The smell is not only nostalgic of a hot Shanghai summer gone by, but of a warm winter with our new baby ahead.

The gardens at our building, have several big osthmanthus tree's, perfect for a mini lesson in horticulture. It doesn't hurt than when you steal a twig of the teeny flowerets, it makes your house smell fabulous too.

Our Big Baby on the Bridge

O's idea of 'layering'