How to Plant a Fragrance Garden

First posted on 07-15-2010

The fragrance of a flower or plant is an integral part of its appeal. Adding fragrance to a garden requires modest effort and is well worth it, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

“Careful selection of plants with fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage can heighten our enjoyment of a garden while serving as a method of biological pest control,” said David Trinklein.

Some plants have fragrant foliage to ward off insects. Most fragrant flowers emit volatile oils to help attract insect pollinators.

Planting a fragrance garden is much like mixing aromas to create a perfume. Start with a few of your favorite plants and work from there. Plants may have fragrances that evoke memories of special events of a certain time in our lives.

Examples might include sweet alyssum, rose, sweet pea, mints and lavender. “Build the color theme of your garden around this basic core of plants and mix similar fragrances to emphasize special effects,” he said.

You might mix the fragrances of lily of the valley, old roses and heliotrope. Remember that some fragrances are pungent and heavy while others might be lighter but linger longer in the garden.

The placement of fragrant plants in the garden is nearly as important as the species chosen. Fragrances hidden or downwind of a garden viewing point are wasted. You can enhance and protect the effect of a fragrance garden by planting fragrant evergreens to form natural windbreaks or fragrance pockets.

You can enhance walkways through gardens by planting fragrant prostrate plants such as creeping thyme near the edges. Stepping on them will release their scent.

Locate plants that give off their fragrance in the evening such as Nicotiana near areas where people enjoy evening activities. “These can be some of the most delightfully scented plants since they rely primarily on their fragrance to attract nocturnal pollinators,” he said.

Fragrances add an extra appeal to your garden and turn an attractive garden into an unforgettable one, he said.

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