Body, soil and soul - scent in the garden

There’s something about fragrance which triggers memories and feelings, and the sense of smell really comes alive in the garden – we’re surrounded by different scents which might evoke a special place or time or just make us feel happy, comforted or at home.  Whether its freshly cut grass, the sweet scent of a rose, or the tang of a tomato plant, using our sense of smell can be a really therapeutic and soothing way to connect with nature and the outdoors.

There’s increasing evidence to suggest that the parts of the brain that process smell, memory and emotion are closely related, so cultivating scented plants can be a shortcut to boosting your mood and decreasing stress.

Certain smells are already associated with wellbeing: lavender for relaxation, for example, peppermint for increasing alertness, or clary sage for improving low mood.

However, scents are a personal thing: everyone is born with a unique set of olfactory receptors, which means that each individual experiences odours slightly differently from anyone else.  When certain fragrances hold a special association, it further enhances the experience of smelling a flower, herb or scented foliage.

Think about the fragrances you enjoy in the garden: are they sweet or spicy?  Earthy or delicate?  If you want to expand the range of scented plants in your garden, consider planting some favourites to explore whether they trigger any old or new memories.  Classic scented plants include: sweet peas, roses, honeysuckle, jasmine, and a whole range of herbs, including mint, thyme, basil and lavender. 

For foliage which stimulates your sense of smell, try scented leaf pelargoniums, salvias or eucalyptus.