Lonicera japonica

The spell of hot weather seems to have moderated somewhat: the temperature has fallen to a more civilised level in the low twenties and we’ve even had a little rain today. Last night, however, was very sultry. After dinner I stepped outside into the garden to get a bit of fresh air and was bathed in the wonderful scent of honeysuckle carried by a very gentle breeze from the far end of the garden. The photograph was taken about 10pm, just after sunset. It reminded me of Tennyson’s “..the woodbine spices are wafted abroad”, though woodbine is technically Lonicera periclymenum (usually called European honeysuckle) while the flowers in my garden are of Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle). Going by previous experience, it will probably carry on flowering until late August.