Fragrant Foliage

Some of the nicest garden aromas come from the leafy fragrant workhorses of the garden foliage. Plant some of these among your flowers, or even in pots, to tickle your fancy and your nose.

• Bayberry
• Sweet Flag/Variegated Sweet Flag (strong aromatic leaves)
• Fragrant sumac (low-growing shrub)
• PMJ rhododendrons
• "Shark's Bay" (compact evergreen)

Herbs include:

• Green basil
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Sage

Sweet Smelling Shrubs

When landscaping, think of some aromatic shrubs, such as:

• Mock Orange
• Lilacs
• Viburnum
• 'Korean Spice'
• Variegated Daphne
• Peonies
• Glossy Abelia

Pungent Perennials

• Artemesia
• Russian sage
• Summer phlox
• Lilies ('Ice Carnival,' or 'Hyperion')
• Hostas like 'So Sweet,' 'Aphrodite,' or 'Royal Standard'

Revitalizing Vines

• Ornamental Honeysuckle
• Evergreen clematis
• Kiwi vine

Tantalizing Trees

• Southern Magnolia
• Flowering Plum
• Crab Apple
• Black Locust
• Horsechestnut
• Witch Hazel
• Amur maple

Optimize your enjoyment

Choose your plants' location wisely if you want to awaken your "scents" of smell in the garden. For instance, grow herbs where you pass daily - near a walkway or door. Some herbs, like mint or thyme, release more of their fragrance when trod upon so, plant these to spread over steps or walkways.

You can also plant herbs and annuals such as heliotrope, sweet alyssum or wallflower in hanging baskets, where you can smell them more easily. Climbing vines, such as 'Sweet Autumn' clematis or 'Gold Flame' honeysuckle will climb right up to shoulder level making their perfumes easily appreciated.

Be sure to check sun or shade requirements, watering needs, and the preferred soil for each plant so you can enjoy your aromatic garden all season long. Local garden centers are happy to help you find just the right choices.

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