In the garden: A fragrant aromatherapy garden

Sue Goetz

guest columnist

There are many ways to captivate the senses in the garden — one of them being the sense of smell. Not just the depths of earthy compost or fresh-cut grass but planting and arranging varieties of plants to capture a garden of fragrances.

The power of fragrance can bring back pleasant memories, relax or uplift moods — all of which defines what “aromatherapy” really is.

Most plants release their precious essential oils in heat and light, while some have the unique quality of releasing fragrance as the sun goes down.

Planning a fragrant garden is much like mixing scents as a perfumer. Some aroma is heavy, while others may be lighter or linger longer.

Place plants where they will give the most benefit. Fragrant gardens along pathways and entries will greet guests. Large puddles and clusters of delicate fragrances will create a strong infusion in the area where they’re planted.

Add groupings near patios or outdoor living spaces. Container gardens filled with aromas can be added to areas where planting space is at a premium or outdoor living spaces.

<4>Trees and shrubs

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is small yet dramatic and has unique puffs of fragrant flowers in the summer.

Magnolia, not all varieties are fragrant, so be picky. Try evergreen (M. grandiflora) such “Edith Bogue” or “Little Gem” in a container or smaller garden spaces. Magnolia “Daybreak” and “Wada’s Memory” (M.x kewensis) are a couple of deciduous varieties to look for.

Sweetbox (Sarcococca s.) is the classic February-blooming evergreen shrub that will add intense aroma to a spot in the shade.

“Pink Dawn” viburnum (V. bodnantense) has pink flowers that bloom in the late winter.

Sweet olive (Osmanthus delavayi) is a tough shrub with tiny white flowers — perfect as a fragrant evergreen hedge.

Variegated winter Daphne (Daphne odora “aureomarginata) blooms in March and releases its sweet perfume.

Mexican orange (Choysia ternata) has fragrant evergreen leaves as well as flowers for a hedge or additions to a mixed border.

Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are a classic old-fashioned shrub for blooms around Mother’s Day.

Perennials, annuals and herbs

For lavender, add dwarf “Hidcote” along a walkway for an intense purple hedge in mid-summer.

“Stargazer” lilies and other Asiatic lilies — the bigger the flower, the more powerful the fragrances that will be in a home when the flowers are cut for a bouquet.

Sweet peas can be grown up a trellis, or try “Little Sweetheart” to tuck into containers and window boxes.

Heliotrope is an annual that will show rich, purple, fragrant flowers all season.

Scented geraniums (Pelargonium sp.) aren’t your ordinary garden type of geranium. A living potpourri, the fragrance is in the leaves. Grow them in pottery and window boxes in order to emit aroma in living spaces.

Herbs

Mints, rosemary, marjoram, lemon verbena and bee balm (Monarda) all add herbal fragrances to the garden.

Bulbs

Hyacinths, Thalia daffodils, “Angelique” and “Peach Melba” tulips and Lily of the Valley all add early spring color and fragrances.

Groundcover

Cover some ground and invite aromatherapy under foot. These can be walked upon and tucked into stepping stones for a fragrant carpet.

Try Corsican mint (Mentha requienii), creeping lemon thyme (Thymus sp.) and lawn chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

In the Garden columnist Sue Goetz, CPH, is a garden consultant, designer, speaker and writer from Gig Harbor. Visit www.thecreativegardener.com or e-mail questions to be answered in this column to info@thecreativegardener.com.