Today smells of linden blossom.
Sweet waves of perfume stop you in your tracks. It is like following a mysterious woman trailing an irresistible memory of gorgeousness: just out of sight.
For a moment the whole world is bathed in this smell of summer and champagne and it seems inconceivable that this should be cascading from the little flowers hidden amongst the leaves of a tree.
Modest pale green flowers shake the loveliest of perfumes in clouds above our heads and the bees are noisy collecting nectar.
![](https://cathysrealcountrygardencom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_6358.jpg?w=768)
Linden is the German name for Tilea cordata. The English name is Lime, but I prefer the German name as it has no possibility of confusion with the citrus. I also learnt the word early from hearing this lovely song : https://youtu.be/lncPMZz5lxc?si=6r6PQz1VNjZwI3qq
It makes a wonderful tree, that is famous for the deep shade that it casts in the summer. It is also famously long lived and there are ancient individuals of hundreds of years old and some may have been growing for a thousand years, which puts our fretful human span into perspective!
![](https://cathysrealcountrygardencom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_6362.jpg?w=923)
When the tree is cut, the wood is greatly prized by craftsmen and it has been worked into intricate altar pieces, statuary and ornate flourishes of all descriptions across the world.
The pale honey made by the pollinating bees is also much sort after and the dried flowers are used for a calming tea across the world.
![](https://cathysrealcountrygardencom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_6368.jpg?w=749)
Lime tree hawk moth feeds on the leaves and I used to always find one in my moth trap each summer until my neighbour cut down his ancient linden tree.
![](https://cathysrealcountrygardencom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_6369-1.jpg?w=1024)
Luckily there are plenty more about; and they are much needed in our over heated world for the cool shade that they give in summer and the delicious perfume of their delicate, sweet flowers.
![](https://cathysrealcountrygardencom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_6360.jpg?w=768)
One of my favourite songs! What a beautiful moth. S
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It is the melody of childhood!
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This morning, I woke up and smelled the rain through the open window. I like that fresh smell, it seems to me that the world around me has been cleaned during the night. This makes a good start into the day.
I love to sit in the shade of lime trees or Lindenbäume that have a bench around the trunk. I find that in many villages and also on my walks around Basel. The blossoms make a healthy tea. I like your Saint Michel made out of limewood. In the dome of Arlesheim, there is a gothic statue of Odilia made from limewood in 1450. There is the legend that Odilia hid in the caves above Arlesheim.
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I must go and look for it!
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We have those trees in the park across the road. They’re so lovely.
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They are delicious!
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I was just reading your blog and wanted to leave a comment about gaslighting husbands, but I have to log into it individually!
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Ah, that might be because I changed the domain name. Wish I hadn’t because it’s caused so much trouble!
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Maybe that’s it. I am not getting your updates on WordPress wither.
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Oh dear, sorry! Maybe unfollow and follow again? Will that make a difference?
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Thank you for putting this into words. Truly a wonderful tree.
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Glad you enjoyed it!
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This has reminded me that I must go out to check the local village trees. I adore Linden scent and enjoy making a delicious brew from the flowers. Thanks
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It is one of the great pleasures of June!
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What a lovely tribute to this sweet-smelling, shade-giving, oxygen-providing tree, Cathy. I often wish we had one in our garden. They aren’t native here but seem to do well as they grow in some local parks. Brought here by Europeans, no doubt, who missed seeing and smelling it.
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I am sure there is something equally lovely and native that you could plant instead!
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Not so many native deciduous trees where we are, but many native shrubs, which we have been trying to plant for a while.
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More power to your planting elbow! The world needs as much green as it can get!
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Thanks, Cathy. I know you try to do the same. It’s so rewarding to watch native plants thrive and native animals be attracted to them.
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