Fragrant flowers and plants have a long history of use in the garden. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are some of the most famous gardens of ancient times, although the ancient Egyptians and Romans also had gardens full of roses, fragrant herbs and aromatic fruit trees too. Scented gardens spread throughout Europe and, although they fell out of favor during the 18th century and the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain, they are just as popular again today.
Benefits of Fragrant Plants
Fragrant plants stimulate one of the most powerful of the five senses, smell. For those who do not have the sense of sight, and the visual stimulation of a garden, scented gardens are even more powerful. However, fragrant plants do not just please the nose for pleasure; they have a purpose too.
In the world of botany, the aroma of a plant can attract or repel an insect or predator for survival purposes. Some plants attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, for fertilization and growth. Other plants repel predators through scent. The chemical make-up of some plants is also deadly to predators who attempt to eat them. Many plants survive, in one way or another, through the aromas that they produce.
Uses of Scented Plants
Fragrant plants have uses too, in addition to floral displays in the garden. Lots of scented plants are used in herbal medicine, in culinary dishes and in the practice of aromatherapy. However, some scented plants are dangerous and toxic, so it is essential to be able to identify a plant and know what it can be safely used for.
Scented Climbers for the Garden
There are several fragrant climbing plants that can be used in the garden. These include honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), clematis, roses and jasmine (Jasminum officinale). Fragrant climbers grow over arbors, fences and walls and have been popular for centuries in old European gardens. Today, it is possible to grow many scented climbers in gardens throughout the world.
Traditional Fragrant Plants for the Garden
Traditional fragrant plants for the garden have been grown in cottage gardens throughout England, Scotland and Europe for centuries too. Traditional fragrant cottage garden plants include sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), stock, and roses. Cottage gardens were traditionally both fragrant and served a purpose; many medicinal and culinary plants were grown there.
Scented Herbs for the Garden
Scented herbs were also regular plants that appeared in a culinary and medicinal garden; these included peppermint (Mentha piperita), basil (Ocimum basilicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and chamomile. Today, they add both fragrance and use to a garden too.
More Fragrant Plants for a Garden
Fragrant plants can stimulate the senses, be a useful addition to a culinary dish or be used medicinally. Fragrant gardens can also be used for a particular garden theme; for example, there are many chocolate flowers and plants that can be used for a chocolate-themed garden. However they are used, scented plants bring many aromatic fragrances to a garden, no matter how big or small.
References:
- Lawless, Julia, The Aromatherapy Garden UK: Kyle Cathie Limited
- Poedlech, Dieter, Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe UK: Collins Nature Guides
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
