Where the Sweet Peas Grow

Sweet peas have always been my favorite flower. When I was a little girl, my dad planted them every year. During the spring, the scent of sweet peas assaulted me every time I went into the backyard—and I loved it!

While they were blooming, we had bouquets in the house, and it, too smelled glorious. (My mother loved them, too.)

At the end of each season, Dad carefully took the seeds from the pods and saved them in a jar in the garage for planting the next year. Then he threw the vines over the back fence into the vacant lot. After several years, they germinated, and sweet peas grew along the back fence. Eventually, they expanded into our next-door neighbor’s backyard as well.

In addition to the sweet peas, Dad planted a lilac bush right outside of my bedroom window. He was told they wouldn’t grow in the California climate, but his did. I woke up all the summer to the warm aroma of lilacs. I still love them as well.

Dad died when I was seven. I tried to plant sweet peas myself afterward, with mixed results.

Several years ago, I discovered that South Coast Farms in San Juan Capistrano grew and sold them. Each year, I drive by and always stop when the sweet peas are blooming to buy some. The season is short, but each time I have a bunch in the house and inhale the scent of my childhood, I smile.

This morning as we were running errands, Larry said, “I have a surprise for you.” He wouldn’t tell me what it was. We drove across the freeway and went up La Novia. We drove to the top of the hill. There, covering about half a mile next to the road, along with the mustard and other wildflowers, were sweet peas—a carpet of them.

They shows as pink, but the photos don’t show them well. However, with the windows rolled down, the distinctive aroma filled the car—and my heart. One of the best surprises ever!

I was wearing my flip-flops, so I couldn’t climb the hill, but Larry got out and found some close to the road. He brought a few to me. Better than a dozen roses!

I came home and put them in a small vase with three of the buds from my rose bushes.

I am surrounded by one of my favorite scents—and sheer joy!

Do you have a favorite smell? What is it, and why is it special to you?