Making Scents in Your Garden

ENJOY A SEASON OF FLORAL AROMATHERAPY WITH THIS EASY PLANTING GUIDE.

Did you know that aromas activate brain waves and affect emotions? Believe it or not, scents and memories are coded in the same part of the brain (the limbic system), which is why fragrances from your summer garden can be so therapeutic, triggering happy thoughts and good feelings. Use this guide to plant a personalized bouquet in your backyard.

The Nose Knows

Cutting fresh flowers isn't the only way to bring a sweet scent indoors. Plant blooms, such as fragrant hostas, outside your favorite room. That way, when you open the window, essence from flowers will trail in on a breeze. On the other hand, keep strongly fragrant flowers away from kitchen windows because their scents can mix with the aromas of the food, causing an unpleasant combination of scents.

Keep in mind that the perfumes of some flowers are more intense than others. For example, you may not want an entire yard of gardenias, known for their heavy fragrance. Instead, try mixing scented flowers with unscented foliage. Ferns are perfect with fragrant hostas; both thrive in the shade. Some flowers blend beautifully with the perfumes of others. For instance, the delicate scent of phlox gently kisses the lemony zest of lilies. See the box for our favorite summer plantings, and surprise your senses with a bounty of natural perfumes. ALLISON BARNES AND SHANNON SLITER SATTERWHITE

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2005
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