This picture is showing our Frangipani, (Plumeria) in flower, which has been a long time coming. Most the year it has been a trunk with little stubby growths and not much else. It must be over two years now since it was touched, stroked, grazed by frost and it has made sure we suffer for not giving it the protection it demanded. I should imagine it hasn't been too happy with the cats using at as a toilet when we weren't looking either. Anyway now we can stick our noses in it (the flowers that is!) as we sit in the outdoor kitchen and enjoy it while it is with us. This year we will leave it where it is and hopefully the warm air that the wine chiller exudes will keep it safe from harm.
Behind the frangpani is a Dama de Noche (Cestrum nocturnum), or Queen of the Night. This plant is pretty insignificant most of the year and it is only from late September that the evergreen leaves are joined by the trumpet flowers which carry no scent during the day, but when darkness falls this can be totally overpowering if too close to outdoor seating. We can smell this at a great distance and it is truly lovely; if you sit too close you my find that your sense of smell is overwhelmed or you pour another glass of wine and enjoy!!