Garden design, garden planning, garden layout, planting plants and planting schemes

Scented Gardens

posted in advice category on 2008-11-10

Well if the constant talk about recession isn’t enough to depress us, the almost constant rain will certainly do so. Whether we want to believe it or not, things are becoming a bit negative and gloomy and certainly when during a news bulletin this week, I heard a Met Office spokesperson predict that the unsettled wet spell could endure for a further six weeks, well I’m convinced we’re in for a repeat of another long wet summer similar to 2007. Still come what may, we’ll take it on the chin and hopefully there will be occasional respite and some dry intervals presenting precious opportunities in which to enjoy the garden. This time of year, we should of course be enjoying the garden in all its glory, colour and scent. In particular, that fantastic of fantastic of special delights – the scented garden has a particular appeal especially appealing to our romantic senses.

Typically scent is associated with seasonal flowers and smothering climbers clambering over archways/trelliswork, but shrubs and in particular roses can also provide rich scent and colour and this can be used very effectively alongside a garden pathway. Nowadays it is possible to have a scented garden throughout the year, even during the during winter months. Scent can compensate for an otherwise lack of form and colour in the garden. Scented gardens are best located in wind sheltered positions and use of seating is required so that the scent and fragrances can be enjoyed and appreciated in a more comfortable and leisurely manner. Our Orb Swing Seat is an idyllic seat(available in two sizes: Single or Double, for more details visit our ONLINE SHOP) in which to relax and enjoy the beauty and pleasure of your garden.

Gardens which are rich in scent instantly create warmth and pleasure, whereas gardens lacking scent can appear to be cold and uninviting. There is an abundance of choice from which to choose, whether you plan to position shrubs alongside a footpath and or larger specimens within the shrubbery, careful planning to ensure adequate space for height and spread is essential. Avoid any unnecessary cutting and pruning, plant smaller varieties at front larger to the back, shrubs with spines/thorns should also be positioned so as not to become awkward obstacles.

Some popular scented types include: Choisya Ternata, Cytisus various Hybrids, Philadelphus Cor. ‘Aureus’, Lavandula, Rosemarinus, Santolina Virens, Helichrysum Korma, Helichrysum Splendidum, Daphne Mezereum, Mahonia Media ‘Charity’, Mahonia Aquifolium, Osmanthus Delavayii, Sarcococca Hook. Humilis, Viburnum Bodnantense ‘Dawn’, Viburnum Burkwoodii.

Happy Gardening.