PERFECT PLANTS FOR A SCENTED GARDEN

Aromatherapist Nicolle Mitchell believes herbs can affect the body and mind when their scent is inhaled. For example, she says, rosemary can ease fatigue and help you focus; and lavender can help induce sleep and ease depression. Indeed, in Kathi Keville’s new book The Aromatherapy Garden (£16, Timber Press), the author describes the scientific case for the relaxing, stress-relieving scents of herbs including camomile and marjoram; the stimulating aromas of basil, peppermint and sage; and the surprising passion-invoking properties of liquorice-scented plants. There are plenty of other fragrant plants to consider apart from herbs. Catherine Cutler, who created the new Perfume Garden at The Eden Project in Cornwall, recommends including something for every time of year. “Some of the best scents come in winter,” she explains, “such as the shrub Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’. For floral aroma, try sweet peas, roses, jasmine and pinks, which produce a wonderful clove-like scent. For larger gardens, my top choice is Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura tree), which gives off an incredible candyfloss fragrance in autumn.” Other scented plants include more unusual herbs such as apple mint, pineapple sage and curry plant. The RHS recommends Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’, the leaves of which smell of lemon; and chocolate Cosmos, which has a vanilla scent. If you only have room in your garden for a couple of pots, then your best option is to plant scented pelargoniums. Rub the leaves to release aromas of lemon or rose.