The scent around our neighborhood is signaling that spring is here, even if the temperatures still can’t seem to make up their minds. It’s the distinct smell of wisteria and the cascading bluish purple blooms that flourish each year in our backyard, and the yards of our neighbors. This year’s blooms seem to be unusually full in our yard. The last year or so, I’ve let the prolific vine have a little more free reign through some of our trees, and in the mass of vines I’ve pulled together on metal stakes. It makes for a breath of sweetness every time the March winds blow.
I walked around the yard last week to get a few pictures, and decided to use them for painting inspiration today. I often like to look up the meaning of flowers and plants online and in a few books in my collection to get a feel for how the blooms have been used to communicate through the generations. Wisteria is almost universally symbolic of long life and vitality, with a little bit of spontaneity paired with the need for discipline in best directing our passions. One of the most poignant meanings I found for wisteria was the phrase “a heart to endure.” What a beautiful description!
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of wisteria making an appearance in your cultivated green space, you have no question about the plant’s ability to endure! It’s downright stubborn it its staying power. But, I was so moved today thinking about how this hallmark of spring symbolizes a strength and endurance to bloom and flourish and release a lasting aroma, a sweet presence, in spite of any pruning or any obstacle it’s overcome. A healthy goal for my own heart, to be sure.
Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of 
