Fragrant Flowers

We are all looking forward to breathing deeply again.  Out in the garden there are a myriad of scented plants doing their thing, so talk a walk outside and follow your nose… see if you can sniff out these spring treasures.

Aside from the typical candidates like jasmine, Murraya (or orange jessamine) and Chinese Star Jasmine

Freesias – the old-fashionedF. refracta ‘Alba’ is a favourite of many.  It grows ‘naturally’ in many wild areas like beside railway tracks and along street verges through rough mown grass. 

Sweet Pittosporum – this native form of Pittosporum is in flower now.  It’s a shrub to a about 3m tall and screens quite well and copes with the shade.  The sweet-smelling flowers are heavenly at night, but the plant can become a garden escapee in Victoria and some other areas.

Daffodils ‘Earlicheer’ and ‘Paperwhites’ are amazingly perfumed double and white versions of this much-loved bulb.  They might only bloom for a few weeks, but WOW, what a scent. 

Blossoms – Plum blossom has just begun is flurry of pink, and with it the gently scent of massed blossoms.  As spring progresses, more and more fruit trees will break bud, each with their own unique perfume.  Crabapples and pear blossom coming soon!

Roses – the earliest roses will soon begin, and many of them have “to die for” perfume.  ‘Double Delight’ is a particularly fragrant bicolour which we stock, but our range is in store now so you can ‘smell and select’ your way through them.

Daphne – one of those shrubs that you can’t live without once you’ve met it!  Daphne is an oldie but a goodie, although it’s known to be fickle.  Many people buy one each year, planting them in various places around the garden to safeguard them against disaster – that way they know when spring arrives, they’ll have one at least to enjoy.

Osmanthus – this is one of the most cherished plants in Japan, and one sniff and you know why.  It might not be much to look at, with very small creamy white flowers, but the apricot nectar-like perfume is a knockout.

Read more about Spring Scents and creating a Sensory Garden.

By: Meredith Kirton