Scented gardens

“Where people gather the scent should be sweet”

Make Sweet Memories
Flowers are admired for their beauty, exquisite shapes and seemingly unending spectrum of colours, but some varieties are most loved and respected for their amazing scents. Many favorite memories are triggered by our sense of smell, so it’s no surprise that garden flowers are the source of many pleasant recollections.

The garden experience can reach all of the senses, but a favorite is scent. What makes a plant’s fragrance appealing-if not intoxicating-is highly subjective.

For some, a lovely sweet smell is better than any perfume, while for others, something spicy and musky is it. Many plant’s scent are intensified at night- all the more reason to relax outdoors under the stars.

A well-planned garden should awaken all of the senses: the sight of colorful flowers; the contrasting touch of luscious shrubbery; the chirp and buzz of creatures hard at work; the flavor of freshly grown fruits and vegetables; and, of course, the scents of the season.

A sudden waft of fragrance can invigorate or relax, can stir emotions or bring back memories. Turn your garden into a symphony of olfactory delights by selecting herbs and other plants based not just on their beauty, but also their smell.

Those hubs of activity outdoors-like patios, poolside, and decks-are perfect places to add sweetly scented plants for ambience. Forget the candles and citronella, we’re talking about fragrant plants that remind you and your guests why it’s so enjoyable to be spending time outdoors instead of in.

Your fragrant garden can be as simple as a few pleasantly scented herb pots by the door, or as intricate as designated zones of complementary fragrances. Some of the best plants to choose for a truly fragranced garden include:

Gardenia Botanical name: Gardenia augusta, G. grandiflora, or G. jasmnoides
Gardenia are one of the most well-known and loved fragrances in the garden and are always a good choice for both their scent and their beautiful blooms and foliage.

Dozens of creamy satiny flowers that have an intoxicating fragrance. Favorite cultivars with gardeners include ‘Fortuniana’, ‘Chuck Hayes’, and ‘Florida’.

*Gardenia becomes most powerful during the rain, when wet wind blows through its creamy flowers and comes out with a lustful scent.

These heat-loving evergreen shrubs are best grown in moderate year-round climate. Gardenias generally prefer partial shade and moist, yet well-drained acidic soil when outside and bright light and humidity when kept indoors.

Plumeria
Frangipani (Plumeria Rubra)
Botanical name: PLUMERIA rubra, Frangipani, Pua Melia, Plumeria is a subtropical or tropical flower related to oleander. Its flowers are softly fragrant in the daytime and intensify at night. The other names are yasmin & champa.

Details: Plumeria (Frangipani, Pua Melia) are flowering plants or small trees often associated with Hawaii and other tropical islands. Native to Singapore, Sweetly scented varieties are Plumeria rubra ‘Kauka Wilder’ and ‘Smith’s Candystripe.’ Plumeria is an excellent pool or spa-side plant and grows well in containers.

Honeysuckle
Botanical name: Lonicera japonica
Details: A vigorous-growing species with long-tubed fragrant white flowers that attract hummingbirds and yellow as they age. A twining climber, honeysuckle requires support and can reach a very good height (up to 40feet). It grows well in sun or partial shade. For repeat blooms, prune after flowering.

It comes in many varieties that thrive everywhere, a very popular flower among those who love fragrant plants. Honeysuckle vine loves the warm environment. Its cluster of tiny flowers erupts inviting fruity smell like vanilla & honey that always be noticed.

Rose
Botanical name: Rosa primulah lists are possible without fragrant roses. Loveliest of all the flowers and popular, everyone who loves the scent, should grow them.

Roses are undeniably beautiful. There are so many roses to choose from, but some of the best in terms of scent include the strongly fragrant ‘Honey Perfume’, the sweet and lemony ‘Heritage’, the rich and sweet ‘Fragrant Plum’, the intense and citrusy ‘Radiant Perfume’, the sweet ‘Louise Odier’ or ‘Madame Plantier’, the perfume-industry favorite ‘Autumn Damask’ and the dramatic ‘Double Delight’

Jasmine
Botanical name: Jasminum floridum, J. humile (Italian jasmine) J. laurifolium nitidum (Shining and Angelwing Jasmine), J. officinale (Common White and Poet’s Jasmine), and J. sambac (Arabian Jasmine and Pikake).

There are over 300 species of the jasmine plant and, while most prefer hot climates, some varieties can be found in colder regions. Its sweet, musky scent – which grows stronger in the evening – is unmistakable.
Oriental Lily “Stargazer”

Grows in partial shade, it looks like gazing at stars in the night. All lilies are aromatic, but this hybrid variety is most fragrant in all. Its sensual and slightly spicy scent is addictive to fall in love with.

Freesia
Native to South Africa, many gardeners vote for freesias. Because of their charming & fruity scent— a fragrance like an altar wine, innocent and pleasing for senses. Choose freesias in white or yellow color (most fragrant).

Michelia Champaca
It belongs to Magnolia family, its beautiful cream-colored flowers, mix of deep grape and banana like fragrance, sweet that much that when you inhale it; it cools down your breath. It’s native to Himalayan ranges of South-East Asia, blooms year-round in a tropical and subtropical climate.
World’s most expensive perfumes are made from it.

Brugmansia , Angel’s Trumpet
This beautiful shrub or tree does best growing under eaves, against walls, or over fences. Angel’s trumpet grows in spurts—sometimes several times a year—forming a thick blanket of beautiful blooms. Its flowers are long and trumpet shaped and that sweet scent picks up during the evening hours and if there’s a light breeze.

It needs dry & hot climate, but can be planted in colder regions with some care.

Mandevilla Botanical name: Mandevilla Details: Also known as Rocktrumpet, this tropical, fast-growing evergreen shrub or vine that produces waxy blooms Mandevilla likes a sturdy post or support to climb along with enriched soil. Its strong scent is reminiscent of a gardenia. Popular cultivars include ‘Alice du Pont’, ‘Bride’s Cascade’, and ‘Magic Trio’

Scented Geraniums A cousin of the geranium, the scented variety don’t bloom as often or as impressively but the fantastic scents make them one of the best plants for an aromatic garden. These flowers are best placed along hedging, borders, or in your favorite place to sit in the garden – the leaves of these plants need to be touched or brushed in order to release their rich smell.

!You can grow them in pots, indoors or out, or in the ground. They like lots of sun, and will grow in most soils Ylang-Ylang (Cananga Odorata)Pronounced as (eelang-eelang) it is native to rainforests of Asia and Australia. It is also called perfume tree, blooms profusely year round, pouring exotic fragrance to the far long distances. If you are living in a tropical region, grow this.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is one of the most pleasing and fresh garden scents. Although it’s actually a member of the mint family – with similar looking leaves and small white flowers – it has a distinctly lemony smell, hence its name!

This low maintenance herb will grow in part shade to full sun and in almost any type of soil but they flourish in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Like its cousin mint, lemon balm is quite invasive, although removing the flowers as soon as they appear will limit this spread.

To keep it as aromatic as possible, don’t fertilize your lemon balm plant.

Thyme
This small, perennial shrub is both pretty and functional, thanks to its light purple to pink flowers and pleasant, pungent, clover-like flavor and smell. There are over fifty varieties of thyme, used most often in cooking.

Thyme does best in loamy or sandy soil, and in full or partial sun. Because the seeds germinate unevenly, starting with a seedling is a good idea. If you like companion planting, be sure to plant your thyme near cabbage.

Rosemary
Smelling rosemary oil has been shown in studies to decrease levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the saliva. It also reduces anxiety, boosts mental clarity and improves learning and memory. When planted in the garden, its distinctive woody fragrance repels mosquitos and other garden pests.

This pungent perennial evergreen shrub, with blue flowers, is ideal for a rock garden or the top of a dry wall. You can also plant near beans, cabbage, carrots, and sage to deter pests.

Mint
Mint is another incredibly fragrant herb that is instantly recognized by its fresh and zingy scent. Try planting peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint or orange mint in your aromatic garden.

Not only is mint delicious when made into a fresh herbal tea, or used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes, it also has medicinal properties. For example, peppermint essential oil is known to relax, improve concentration, relieve sinuses and cure headaches. The scent from the plant, although milder, can still have similar effects.

Basil
Fresh basil has a strong, pungent, peppery and somewhat menthol aroma. For those who are a fan of Italian dishes, this herb is a must in the garden.

=Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, with its silvery aromatic leaves and bark which smells like a blend of menthol and sage, is a great addition to any fragranced garden.

It prefers warmer climates – as it hails from Australia – although it thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Those who live in colder regions should grow eucalyptus in patio containers, and move indoors for the winter.
Use sprigs in flower arrangements, or dry the leaves and bark for DIY potpourri. The scent is said to relieve congestion and repel insects.