It is natural to expect an exquisite bloom to have a fine scent, but this is not always the case. Some of the most colorful flowers simply are not fragrant. Not all lilies are, for example, nor are some of the more spectacular roses and peonies.
Even if you have fragrant plants, their scents may vary from day to day. Hot, humid days or nights bring out scents more strongly, while cooler weather makes them more evanescent.
If you want a fully perfumed garden throughout the growing season, you must plan for it. Make a note of the scented plants you come across in other gardens this summer so you can include them in yours. Seek varieties that will contribute scent at different times, from spring until frost.
This is not as difficult as it may seem. There are plants with varying degrees of fragrance that fit into any seasonal picture-from spring-flowering bulbs and shrubs to roses, summer annuals and perennials. Those with little or elusive scent can nevertheless be effective when they are grown in massed beds so each can add its bit to an overall impression.
Almost everyone will agree that the most pervasive fragrance is released by many of the hardy lilies, particularly those of the trumpet-shaped varieties. A single clump of the popular Mid-Century hybrids or the Gold Band Auratum lily will permeate an entire garden with sweet fragrance on a summer evening.
Choose carefully because some lilies offer no scent. Other summer bulbous plants, such as Ismenes, tuberoses and Madonna lilies, will make a significant contribution to garden fragrance.
The spring-flowering bulbs seldom are associated with fragrance, yet the heavily sweet-scented hyacinths can get a perfumed garden off to an early start, as can some of the trumpet and large-cupped daffodils. Check catalogue descriptions for the scented varieties before planting them this fall.
Roses selected especially for their spicy scent can make the most substantial contribution to the fragrance of the summer garden because of their long season of bloom.
Some noteworthy varieties are the yellow Amber Queen, a floribunda, and the red Mikado, a hybrid tea, two of the 1988 All-America Selections; and the richly perfumed hybrid teas such as Tropicana, Double Delight, Sweet Surrender and the species Rugosa types.
Flowering shrubs, chiefly those that bloom early in the season, also are dependable for filling the air with heady fragrances. Among these are the imposing viburnums such as Carlesi and Carcelphalum, mock orange, honeysuckle, some magnolia varieties and, of course, lilacs.
Pleasing scents are also found among many perennial flowers. Some outstanding favorites are the herbaceous peonies, phlox and carnations. Certain annuals, too, fit into the scented scheme when massed. These could be alyssum, petunias, nicotiana, stock, candytuft, sweet peas and others.
A planting of herbs can add exotic scents to the aromatic garden, although some like basil, lavender and sage must be pinched, bruised or cut before their aroma is discernible. Pines and other evergreen trees and shrubs occasionally contribute their familiar scent to the scene, as do some vining plants like the sweet autumn clemantis.
Even a newly mowed lawn yields a heavy aroma, especially at dusk, which a friend described as an ”exhilarating evening smell.” All things considered, a garden that boasts good scents along with its other virtues is sure to be more pleasurable. –
