Cultivating a Multisensory Garden Oasis
As I stroll through my garden, the sweet, floral fragrance of the blooming lilacs envelops me, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. The memory is so vivid – the warm sun, the buzz of honeybees, and the comforting scent that seemed to linger in the air for weeks. It’s a sensory experience that no mere photograph could ever capture.
You see, I’ve come to realize that a truly captivating garden is one that engages all of our senses – not just the visual. The soothing sound of a bubbling water feature, the soft caress of velvety petals, the cheerful chirping of birds – these elements combine to create a truly immersive and memorable outdoor space.
That’s why, when I set out to design gardens for my clients at ABC Home & Garden, I make it a priority to incorporate an array of fragrant plants. Because let’s be honest – while beautiful blooms are a joy to behold, it’s the intoxicating scents that have the power to evoke deep-seated emotions and lasting memories.
The Allure of Aromatic Florals
Fragrance is truly a sense that is deeply connected to our emotional well-being. Studies have shown that certain scents can have a profound impact on our mood, stress levels, and even our cognitive function. And when it comes to the garden, the right fragrant plants can transform a ordinary outdoor space into a true sensory oasis.
Take the iconic gardenia, for instance. With its lush, velvety white blooms and intoxicating, floral aroma, this tropical beauty has the power to instantly transport you to a warm, sun-dappled courtyard in the Mediterranean. Or consider the delicate, honey-like scent of star jasmine – a fragrance so captivating that it’s often used in high-end perfumes and cosmetics.
But it’s not just the flowers that can tantalize our noses. Many fragrant plants produce aromatic foliage that releases its scent when brushed against or crushed underfoot. Think of the refreshing, minty notes of crushed lemon verbena or the earthy, herbaceous fragrance of lavender. These sensory delights can elevate a simple garden stroll into a multi-dimensional sensory experience.
Scent-Scaping for Year-Round Enjoyment
Of course, the challenge with fragrant plants is ensuring that their captivating scents can be enjoyed throughout the growing season. That’s why, when designing a fragrant garden oasis, I always aim to create a carefully curated succession of bloom times and scent profiles.
For example, I might start the season with the delicate, spicy aroma of wintersweet, followed by the heady, floral notes of daphne and lily-of-the-valley. As spring segues into summer, the sweet, honeyed scent of magnolia and the citrusy perfume of lemon verbena take center stage. And as autumn arrives, the rich, earthy fragrance of chrysanthemums and the warm, spicy scent of witch hazel provide a grand finale to the sensory experience.
By carefully selecting a diverse array of fragrant plants with varying bloom times, I’m able to ensure that my clients can delight in nature’s aromatic bounty from the first whispers of spring to the final days of fall. It’s a sensory journey that unfolds with each passing season, keeping the garden a perpetually engaging and captivating oasis.
Preserving the Fragrance
Of course, the enjoyment of fragrant plants doesn’t have to be limited to the great outdoors. With a little creativity, you can bring the captivating scents of the garden indoors, extending the sensory experience year-round.
Monrovia suggests incorporating fragrant plants like gardenias, jasmine, and lavender into container gardens that can be easily moved to patios, decks, or even sunny windowsills. The compact, tidy habits of these plants make them well-suited for even the smallest of urban spaces.
But the possibilities for preserving fragrance don’t end there. As Stefani Bittner of Homestead Design Collective suggests in her upcoming book, “The Fragrant Flower Garden,” there are countless ways to capture and savor the scents of the garden, from making floral teas and natural perfumes to crafting modern potpourris.
“Keep in mind that scent is subjective, emotive, and personal,” Stefani advises. “By preserving the fragrance of the garden, you can continue to engage your senses and revel in those cherished memories long after the flowers have faded.”
Designing for the Senses
When it comes to incorporating fragrant plants into a garden design, placement is key. According to the experts at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, it’s best to avoid positioning fragrant plants in open, windy areas where their scents will quickly dissipate.
Instead, tuck them near entryways, along walkways, or in sheltered nooks where their captivating aromas can be savored. And don’t forget to include fragrant foliage plants that release their scents when brushed against or crushed underfoot – the perfect way to engage the senses during a leisurely stroll through the garden.
Of course, as with any garden design, it’s important to strike a balance between visual appeal and sensory delight. That’s why I often recommend pairing fragrant plants with bold, textural foliage or vibrant blooms to create a truly multi-dimensional experience.
Take, for example, the pairing of the sweetly scented Carolina allspice with the bold, burgundy leaves of a Japanese maple. Or imagine the juxtaposition of the delicate, honey-like fragrance of tuberose with the dramatic, sunset-hued blooms of a dahlia. The resulting synergy of sight, smell, and touch is nothing short of enchanting.
Cultivating Memories, One Bloom at a Time
As I reflect on the joy that fragrant plants have brought to my own garden, I’m reminded of the profound impact they can have on our overall well-being. By engaging our senses and evoking cherished memories, these aromatic wonders have the power to transform a simple outdoor space into a true sanctuary – a place of respite, rejuvenation, and emotional connection.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding green thumb, I encourage you to embrace the allure of fragrant blooms. Surround yourself with the captivating scents of lilac and magnolia, the refreshing notes of lavender and mint, and the intoxicating aromas of jasmine and rose. Let these sensory delights transport you to a world of wonder, and cultivate a garden oasis that nourishes the soul as well as the senses.
After all, as the experts at The Daily Journal so eloquently put it, “Fragrant plants are like the popular kids at the playground; everyone likes to be near them.” So why not surround yourself with these captivating beauties and experience the true magic of a multisensory garden?
