I've made no secret of the fact that I love carnations. I think they're the most underrated flower in the market. They've been associated with inexpensive florists - mass produced and funereal. It's not deserved. My mother grew carnations in her big flower garden when I was growing up. I always loved their luscious vanilla/clove sweetness. Unfortunately the scent has been bred out of them and what remains is either scentless or stinky. Except for these! After a short hospital stay a few years ago a friend dropped by with purple and white variegated blooms that had a lovely fragrance. I haven't seen them since until one evening this week they caught my eye as I was passing the market. Now these eye-catching flowers are all over the apartment, in a jug on the coffee table and in bud vases on my end tables, desk, bedside table and in the bathroom. All of this luxury for $5. Maybe carnations are best kept a secret.