The Fragrant Garden

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The Fragrant Garden

This article was contributed by Eleanor Athens, owner of E Fragrance Oils.

"Of all the ingredients we employ in the creation of a garden, scent is probably the most potent and the least understood. Its effects can be either direct and immediate, drowning our senses in a surge of sugary vapor, or they can be subtle and delayed, slowly wafting into our consciousness, stirring our emotions and coloring our thoughts." - Stephen Lacey, Scent in Your Garden, 1991

Jasmine in twilight. New bamboo after a rain. A blooming lemon tree under the sun. Our senses respond to the garden not just as a pretty picture (which of course it is), but something to touch, to taste, and, perhaps most of all, to smell. Aromachology is the study of how scents affect our moods and behavior. The following are three settings that use this science to enhance your garden.

The morning garden:
When you need refreshing and energy. Try putting a little breakfast table by a lemon tree. Surround it with lavender and rosemary, and perhaps a pot of peppermint. The green herbal and citrus scents enhance wakefulness. Since lemon, rosemary, and lavender plants have similar desires (sunny location, good drainage), they will thrive together. The peppermint is best in a pot, because it likes richer soil and good water, and has a tendency to spread like wildfire. If you're a city dweller with a sunny patio, all of these plants can be potted; Meyer lemons do esepcially well in a container. A perfect scented spot to start your morning, and if you take tea, the lemons are right there. Peppermint also makes a lovely refreshing tisane (boiling water poured over chopped fresh herbs).

The lazy afternoon garden:
For calming and relaxing. Shady hammocks are always good for a lazy afternoon, or try my sister's favorite and drag a good comforter (no ratty beach blankets) out into a sunny, grassy spot. Plant chamomile, scented geraniums, and roses. Soft, earthy florals relax and soothe. A site with moist, fluffy, well-drained soil and good sunshine will support this lovely trio. Chamomile is a feathery, apple-scented plant with small daisy-like flowers that can be used as groundcover. Scented geraniums and old-fashioned roses are cottage-garden staples. These flowers are also prized for their culinary value; chamomile tea, geranium scented sugar, and rose-petal jam are just a few uses.

The evening garden:
To excite your senses. A futon or chaise is the perfect setting to enjoy falling dusk in your garden. Jasmine, thyme, and orange trees make a lovely fragrant backdrop. Green notes and white blossoms perfume the evening air with sedative and aphrodisiac qualities. These plants prefer a warm climate, good sun (jasmine tolerates partial shade and likes a little more moisture, so a bush variety could be planted under the orange), and well-drained soil. The white and lavender flowers of all three are colors that stand out as twilight approaches, making them ideal choices for the evening garden.

Perfumes are the feelings of flowers. - Heinrich Heine

About the author: Eleanor Athens is the founder of E Aromachologic Fragrance Oils; scents created from pure essential oils and perfumer's absolutes. Her interests in phyto- and aromatherapy led to the creation of a fragrance line that uses organic ingredients to enhance the well-being of the wearer. Email her at info@aromachologic.com or visit the website at http://aromachologic.com

These items brought to you from various merchants on the web. Please click on the item for further details and to order.
Lemon Tree (meyer lemon) - $ 79.95
Sweet California Meyer Lemon. This tree always has something going on, either it is in fruit or flower and sometimes both. It thrives in nearly every climate, as long as it is brought indoors before freezing. Evergreen leaves with wonderful fragrant large size fruit. Spectacular array of purplish-white flowers with a wonderful aromatic scent. Great for indoors. 8 years old. 14"-18" tall. Suitable 6"x8" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase add $2.95 (50% off regular price with tree order). Shipped via UPS 2-3 days - $19.95.

Limequat (limequat eustis) - $ 58.95
Eustis is a hybrid between West Indian Lime and Marumi Kumquat which flowers and fruits readily on its own. It is an easy to maintain small lime tree requiring less heat than other lime varieties. The Limequat is a small tree with an open habit and heavy crops of small, oval, light colored yellow fruit. The flesh is juicy and acidic and has the same aromatic flavor as the lime with about 8 seeds per fruit. Eustis makes an attractive ornamental and the fruit can be used as a lemon or lime substitute. Great for indoors. 6 years old. 13"-16" tall. Suitable Suitable 8"x6" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase add $2.95 (50% off regular price with tree order). Shipped via UPS 2-3 days - $14.95.

Honeysuckle - Winter - $ 15.95
The Winter Honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, is sometimes called Sweet Breath of Spring. It is extremely fragrant (lemony), with creamy white flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. Flowers are followed by small, somewhat inconspicuous, red berries which mature in late spring to early summer. Oval, dark green foliage sometimes has bluish tinge. Flowers are a harbinger of spring. Budded branches may be cut for an early, fragrant, indoor arrangement. Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adapts to wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, loamy soils. Prune to shape after flowering.

Thyme - Golden King - $ 13.95
The Thyme 'Thymus citriodorus aureus', was believed to possess magical powers by the ancient Druids. Maybe that explains why consumers seem unable to resist these particularly choice varieties. This small bushy shrublet is characterized by the intense lemon scent of its foliage. Gold dappled leaves are the base for a summer bloom of lavender pink flowers.
Similar in color and fragrance to Doone Valley but with a semi-trailing habit. Gorgeous when spilling out of primary-colored containers or window boxes.

Thyme - Doone Valley - $ 13.95
The Thyme Platycodon grandiflorum, was believed to possess magical powers by the ancient Druids. Maybe that explains why consumers seem unable to resist these particularly choice varieties. This dainty creeping variety with its light purple flowers, yellow-flecked green foliage, and lemony scent has saved many a strawberry pot from early retirement.This dwarf variety has star-shaped purple flowers and glossy foliage. It tolerates light shade or full sun.

Kids Hummingbird Kit - $ 3.95
He'll visit you for real with this great kit! It helps kids learn, along with the "magic" of growing flowers for the first time. Scroll down for details.
Kit includes individual packets of these 5 flowers:
None-So-Pretty

Lemon Mint

Rose Mallow

Baby Snapdragon

Nasturtium

Bee Balm - Petite Delight - $ 14.95
The Monarda 'Petite Delight', Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, light red to purple flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. 'Petite Delight' stands at 15' high and has a plant spread of 12-18" and blooms from July to August. It is one of the smallest Monarda in its family and has the darkest foliage. If deadheaded, (remove old flowers from a plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade.
Petite Delights are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, and herb garden or along ponds or streams.

Bee Balm - Petite Wonder - $ 14.95
The Monarda æPetite WonderÆ, Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, light pink flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. æPetite WonderÆ stands at 12Æ high and has a plant spread of 12-18ö and blooms from July to August. If deadheaded, (remove old flowers from plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. It is one of the smallest Monarda in its family and has the darkest foliage.
Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade. Petite Wonders are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, and herb garden or along ponds or streams.

Bee Balm - Raspberry Wine - $ 13.95
The Monarda æRaspberry WineÆ, Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, raspberry flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. æRaspberry WineÆ stands at 36Æ high and has a plant spread of 24-36ö and blooms from July to August. If deadheaded, (removal of dead flowers from plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade.
Rasberry Wines are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, herb garden or along ponds or streams.

Bee Balm - Marshall's Delight - $ 13.95
The Monarda æMarshall's DelightÆ,Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, hot pink flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. æMarshall's DelightÆ stands at 36Æ high and has a plant spread of 24-36ö and blooms from July to August. If deadheaded, (removal of old flowers from plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade.
Marshall's Delights are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, and herb garden or along ponds or streams.

Bee Balm - Gardenview Scarlet - $ 13.95
The Monarda 'Gardenview Scarlet', Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, red rose flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. 'Gardenview Scarlet' stands at 3' high and has a plant spread of 24-30" and blooms from July to August. If deadheaded, (remove old flowers from plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade.
Grandview Scarlets are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, and herb garden or along ponds or streams.

Russian Sage - $ 15.95
The Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a deciduous semi-woody subshrub with upright, grayish white stems and lobed, silvery gray leaves. The older stems are woody at the base, and younger stems are herbaceous and square in cross section. The stems and leaves give off a pungent odor when crushed or bruised.
In late summer and autumn Russian sage produces 12 in. spires of small, tubular lavender flowers. Flowering persists for two or three months. Russian sage grows in a clump. Place in full sun.

Windowsill Herbs - $ 3.95
Large packet includes complete instructions and one packet each of the following:
Dill

Basil

Coriander

Chives

Parsley

Magnolia x Jane - $ 22.95
The Jane Magnolia tree, Magnolia x Jane, is a rounded, shrubby plant producing flowers in late spring that resemble slender tulips. The blooms are reddish-purple outside and white inside. Flowers open just before the leaves appear, making a superb display. Ann Magnolia trees are strong, vigorous, upright growers and are distinguished by their beautifully shaped, extremely fragrant large flowers opening in early May.

Yoshino Flowering Cherry - $ 22.95
The Yoshino Cherry tree, Prunus X Yedoensis, has white or pink clusters of beautiful flowers that have a scent of almond. The flowers appear before the leaves. Total bloom time usually 10-14 days. These ornamental cherries are bred for flowers and fragrance instead of fruit. The lavish blooms of soft pink semi-double fragrant flowers cover the rounded-spreading crown of this cherry. These deciduous trees have glossy, dark green leaves which turn yellow in fall. Yoshino Cherry trees prefers full sun and well-drained soils. It is excellent as a border or mass plantings in an open area or as specimen tree. They are exceptionally showy with evergreens in background. It is the main cherry tree in the Washington tidal basin, common on US Capitol grounds and around the Library of Congress.

Zephirine Drouhin - $ 17.95
The Zephirine Drouhin rose has a fragrance which fills the air with each large bloom. It prospers in alkaline soil, pollution, and shade. It's also a beautiful rose, opening large, sweetly fragrant, deep rose flowers (on nearly thornless stems) throughout the season. Zephirine Drouhin roses are perfect for covering a wall or climbing over an arch. The coppery-purple new growth is a vivid contrast.

Nearly Wild - $ 17.95
The Hearty Wild rose is a hybrid. It is beautiful and tough. Hearty Wild roses have are a bushy, hardy, and highly attractive shrub that grows 2' to 3' tall. The large, single-form pink flowers bloom recurrently through the season. The flowers are sweetly fragrant.

New Dawn - $ 17.95
The New Dawn rose is a strong grower and is unusually hardy and disease resistant. 'New Dawn' has long been a favorite climber. New Dawn roses have double pink, fragrant flowers that fade to soft pink are carried over a long season. It has healthy, dark green disease resistant foliage and is a rose with few faults and a long flowering season, even carrying a few blooms in the winter. It blooms spring and repeats in the summer. The New Dawn was a World Fereration of Rose Society Hall of Fame inductee in 1997.

Lilac - Persian - $ 17.95
The Persian Lilac, Syringa x persica, is a spreading, graceful shrub with arching branches, reaching 4 to 8 feet in height, 5 to 10 feet spread. This deciduous shrub has dark green foliage. The pale lilac flowers are fragrant, late spring blooming, abundantly produced on 2 to 3 inch long panicles. A reasonably compact lilac for the smaller garden, and shrub border. Introduced 1614.

Carefree Beauty - $ 17.95
The Carefree Beauty rose has an open bloom and is light Rose Bengal color which ages lighter. The pleasant fragrant flowers are followed by round-ovoid orange hips. the plant is vigorous, bushy, well-clothed with large, leathery dark green foliage. Carefree Beauty roses can be used wherever a small ever-blooming shrub is required or it lends itself for use as a bedding plant of for use in combination with other plants as herbaceous perennials or bedding plants.The plants are winter-hardy. It is a Dr Buck rose.

Sumac - Fragrant - $ 17.95
The Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica, is a small shrub, most commonly encountered on limestone uplands, occasionally on acidic sites. It occasionally reaches tree size. Fragrant sumac is a pioneer species, establishing rapidly from seed after heavy disturbance, particularly fire. Like other sumacs, it forms clonal clumps, but not as extensively as the other species. Fragrant sumac is a short-lived pioneer, which reproduces from seed or clonally via root suckers. Seed production is moderately abundant, and seeds are dispersed by birds. Lifespan is about 20-30 years, though clones can live substantially longer. Fruit is important as winter bird food. This is an Important deer browse species. The fruits, steeped in cool water, yield a refreshing drink, like lemonade. Native Americans used the bark of all sumacs as an astringent, and leaves and bark can be used for tanning leather, due to the high tannin content.

Chuckles - $ 17.95
The Chuckles rose is a hardy Canadian-bred shrub that can be grown as a small climber or pruned as a bush. Chuckles roses bloom in clusters.The double fuchsia blooms are 2+" across and quite fragrant. It will grow 5' to 6' tall, with yellow-green foliage. It will repeat its bloom again later in the season.

Sweetshrub - $ 15.95
The Sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina allspice is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub with a suckering habit which grows 6-9' tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. It features very fragrant, brown to reddish-brown flowers (2" across) which bloom at the ends of short branchlets in May. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. Lustrous, dark green (pale beneath), ovate to elliptic leaves to 6" long turn golden yellow in fall. Leaves are aromatic when bruised. Also commonly called sweetshrub and strawberry bush because of the reference to the fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. Another common name is hairy allspice which is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. It is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers rich loam. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired. Use as a specimen near front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant flower aroma may be enjoyed. It is utilized for shrub borders, foundations, and native plant areas.

Butterfly Bush - Pink Delight - $ 15.95
The Butterfly Bush 'Pink Delight', Buddleia 'Pink Delight', has fragrant, deep pink flowers on a compact growing butterfly bush. The leaves are grayish green to add interest. It is a vigorous growing shrub that boasts deep pink flowers from mid-summer and is a butterfly magnet. This bush flowers summer and fall and is easy to grow. With a name like Butterfly Bush you might expect a plant to be attractive to butterflies. In fact, it's more than attractive; it's a magnet for all the butterflies that pass through your garden seeking nectar.
This deciduous bush blooms mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees will flock to the honey-scented blossoms, whose dilute nectar is sweetest in midday sun. Plant it near a path or patio and the shrub will provide a delightful fragrance for you, too. It's generally pest-free. This plant blooms on new growth and should be pruned back to the ground in spring.

Honeysuckle-Pink Tatarian - $ 15.95
The Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica, originated in Southern Russia and Turkistan. Tatarian Honeysuckle is a tolerant, reliable shrub with good flowering and fruiting habits. It grows in sun or partial shade and any garden soil. The fragrant pink flowers are produced in mid-spring. The red, orange or yellow fruit is most ornamental during the summer. Fruit and flower colors vary with the cultivar. Tartarian Honeysuckle is widely distributed throughout the US. Neat appearing shrub for screens and windbreaks. Dependable and hardy. Pale pink buds open to masses of white blooms.

Mock Orange - Sweet - $ 15.95
The Sweet Mock Orange, Philadephus coronarius, is a deciduous shrub. This name is probably derived from the fragrant white flowers resembling orange flowers that some species and cultivars of mock oranges have. Some mock oranges are without fragrance. Flowers are single, semi-double, or double and they vary in size. The bloom period is quite short, normally not more than 7 to 10 days. The summer foliage is dark green and quite free of pest and disease problems. There is no color change in the fall. It is possible that most mock oranges will suffer from occasional tip kill in zone 4 and quite often in zone 3.

Mock Orange-MN Snowflake - $ 15.95
The Minnesota Snowflake Mock Orange, Philadelphus x virginalis, is a compact, deciduous shrub that grows to only 3' tall. Features fragrant, double white flowers that bloom profusely in late spring. Flowers appear in clusters with 5-7 flowers per cluster. It has oval, dark green leaves (to 3.5" long). The common name refers to the general resemblance of the sweetly fragrant flowers of this genus to those of orange blossoms. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soils except for those that are poorly drained. Blooms on previous year's growth, so prune immediately after flowering. May be cut to the ground (also after flowering) if shrub becomes scraggly, unkempt or otherwise in need of rejuvenation.

Daylily - Stella de Oro - $ 14.95
The Hemerocallis æStella de OroÆ, also known as a Daylily, has a very fragrant dark yellow flower with a size of 2.5ö. With dark green foliage, this daylily will reach a height of 12ö and a plant spread of 12-24ö. It has been named Perennial of the Year. æStella de OroÆ will bloom from May through July, with outstanding color and a definite rebloomer, more than any in its family. æStella de OroÆ prefers a full sun area that is well-drained.
Although the blooms will last only for one day, there are many blooms on strong stems that rise above tall grassy foliage, (remove in late fall). æStella de OroÆ is considered to be pest and deer resistant. Use for cut flowers, massing, edging, borders or in mixed containers and tubs.

Dianthus - Rosie Cheeks - $ 13.95
The Dianthus 'Rosie Cheeks' has vibrant pink flowers that look especially stunning combined with blue and purple shades. Dianthus will bloom from mid summer to early fall. In order for a longer bloom time, deadhead the blooms continuously throughout the summer.
Dianthus needs a sunny site with well-drained soil, but will tolerate some shade in the afternoon and humidity. These fragrant, spicy dove like flowers look wonderful as a border plant, rock gardens, along walks or paths, for edging and a definite in cottage gardens.

Dianthus - Zing Rose - $ 13.95
The Dianthus æZing RoseÆ, Dianthus Deltoides, is a beautiful bright rose/mauve flower. With its grassy blue-gray foliage and profuse blooming time, æZing RoseÆ is one not to miss. Dianthus æZing RoseÆ has a plant spread of 12-18ö and a height of 6ö. Dianthus will bloom from mid summer to early fall. In order for a longer bloom time, deadhead the blooms continuously throughout the summer.
Dianthus needs a sunny site with well-drained soil, but will tolerate some shade in the afternoon and humidity. These fragrant, spicy dove like flowers look wonderful as a border plant, rock gardens, along walks or paths, for edging and a definite in cottage gardens.

Japanese Honeysuckle - Halliana - $ 12.95
This is the most commonly seen Honeysuckle. Has Whitish-yellow flowers with a delightful fragrance. Very fast growing to 15 to 30 feet and 2 feet tall as ground cover. Produces rampant growth capable of engulfing wire or chain-link fences in just a couple of seasons. A reliable, fragrant evergreen vine for a shade arbor. Excellent for screening, to drape over an unsightly wall or wood fence. A country-garden standby often trained onto dilapidated outbuildings or into the branches of dead trees. Capable of covering huge amounts of space in a short time, this vine makes a great ground cover on banks and slopes for erosion control. Be aware that is can be quite invasive.

Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle Vine - $ 12.95
The Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle Vine, Lonicera 'Dropmore Scarlet', is a vining honeysuckle that is very winter hardy and easy to grow. It has loads of fragrant scarlet-orange, tubular flowers from June to September. Hummingbirds are always visiting this plant in our gardens.
Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle Vines do best in at least a half day of full sun in consistently moist, organic soil. Be sure to give it a support to climb on right away or soon after it's planted. Easy to grow in fertile, well-drained soil.

Coneflower - Purple - $ 13.95
The Echinacea æPurple ConeflowerÆ, Echinacea purpurea, is an easy to grow flower that produces beautiful lavender to purple daisy-like flowers. Coneflowers produce large, fragrant flowers bloom from July to October and a major attractor to butterflies and bees and deer resistant, it is a must for any perennial gardens. With its dark green foliage, Echinacea æPurple ConeflowerÆ stands 3Æ high with a plant spread of 18-24ö. For best results, plant in full sun in a well drained area.
Echinacea is known for its large flower heads that turn to seed in the fall. A great choice for cut flowers, adding a wilderness look to your garden, Not only is it a prized perennial for many gardeners, but also a potent medicine. It hass been reported that Echinacea increases immune function, reduces the effects of colds and fluÆs, fight off viral, bacterial and fungal infections and purify the blood and flush waste from the lymphatic system.

Mimosa Tree - $ 10.95
The Mimosa tree, Albizzia julibrissin, sometimes called Silk tree, was introduced to the United States in 1745 for use as an ornamental plant because of its unusual, attractive and fragrant pom-pom like flowers and interesting fern-like foliage.This deciduous tree is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. In gardens this tree grows to 20û30'. Mimosa trees are fast-growing but rather short-lived. It has a single trunk with smooth gray bark. Each bipinnate leaf is made up of hundreds of tiny leaflets coated in white hairs, giving the foliage a silvery cast. In late winter or spring the domed crown is decked in sprays of small, globular, golden yellow flower heads. It is able to survive winter in southern U.S., but flowers better in climates with a longer, drier summer.

Water Tupelo - $ 8.95
The Water Tupelo tree, Nyssa aquatica, is also called the cottongum, sourgum, swamp tupelo, tupelo-gum, and water-gum. Water Tupelo trees are a large, long-lived trees that grow in southern swamps and flood plains where its root system is periodically under water. This deciduous tree has a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and often occurs in pure stands. A good mature tree will produce commercial timber used for furniture and crates. Many kinds of wildlife eat the fruits and it is a favored honey tree. The fragrant flowers entice many visits from spring pollinators. The fall color is yellow to purple.

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