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Common Scents:

Fragrance in the Garden

by Mary Barnhill

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, fewer and fewer of us are taking the time to stop and smell the roses. I keep that in mind each and every time I design a landscape for one of my busy customers. Sometimes I wonder if after all our creativity and hard work that they will ever find time to enjoy their new back yard living space! So, to entice them out of house and into the garden, we plant several varieties of fragrant plants in key areas. It's one of the ways we help to create a respite in their own backyard.

Gardenia

"Aromatherapy" is a recognized practice and one of the latest trends in landscape design. We select specific plants with a particular fragrance to inspire a desired mood for our clients, and homeowners can do the same thing in their own yards. For example, you can create an atmosphere that is calming and soothing with plants like Ever-Blooming Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Vetchii') or Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). For rejuvenation the scents of Peppermint Geranium (Pelargonium tomentosum), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) are invigorating. To create a nostalgic, homey feeling try French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) used in perfume making or Common Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) that smells just like vanilla. If it's romance you're after, what woman will be able to resist the indulgent scent of Chocolate Geranium (Pelargonium ssp.) or Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)? The heady scents of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), a bulb also used in the making of perfume, Arabian Jasmine (Jasminium sambac) and Night Blooming Jasmine are downright intoxicating!
Fragrance can serve a more practical use as well. We always design landscapes in a functional utility area then screen any unpleasant orders, such as trash cans, with a hedge of Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) or we surround the area with aromatic vines like Angel Wing Jasmine (Jasminium laurifolium nitidum), Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) or fast growing Pink Jasmine (Jasminium polyanthum.)
Adding fragrance to the garden is as easy as a trip to the nursery to sniff out your favorite scents. The important thing for success and happy, thriving plants is to be sure to get the right plant for the right place. Observe how much sun or shade is in the area to be planted and what kind of water the plant will receive. Regular feeding will promote faster growth and more sweet smelling blooms.
There are so many choices and so very many ways to use scented plants. There are shrubs, vines, annuals, perennials and even trees that smell good. Just don't forget to include the classic symbol of the fragrance garden-the Rose. And be sure to take a minute every day to stop and...well, you know. Click Here To Learn About proper Pruning Techniques

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