Creating a Fragrant Summer Garden
Summer wouldn’t be complete without the sweet scents that fill the air. Creating a scented garden is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of nature all season long.
Choosing the Right Plants
The key to a successful scented garden is choosing the right plants. Look for varieties that are known for their strong fragrance, such as:
- Pelargoniums (scented geraniums)
- Chinese lilies (Lilium regale)
- Tobacco plant (Nicotiana sylvestris)
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’)
- Rambling roses (Rosa ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’)
- Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos astrosanguineus)
- Night-scented stock (Matthiola longipetala)
- Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Other Scented Summer Plants
In addition to the plants listed above, there are many other summer bloomers that offer a delightful fragrance. Consider adding these to your garden as well:
- Evening primrose (Oenethera biennis)
- Alba roses (Rosa ‘Alba Semiplena’)
- Mock orange (Philadelphus)
- Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
- Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
- Jasmine scented climber (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Planning for Year-Round Scent
With a little planning, you can enjoy the fragrance of flowers in your garden all year round. Here are some tips:
- Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year.
- Plant scented shrubs and climbers that will provide fragrance even when they’re not in bloom.
- Consider adding night-blooming plants to your garden so you can enjoy their fragrance in the evening.
Creating a Scented Garden
Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to create your scented garden. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Group plants with similar scents together to create a more intense fragrance.
- Plant tall, fragrant plants in the back of your garden and shorter plants in the front.
- Consider the height and spread of your plants when planting to ensure they have enough space to grow.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize your plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
With a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and fragrant summer garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Tips for Growing Scented Plants
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize your plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
By following these tips, you can help your scented plants thrive and fill your garden with their beautiful fragrance.
