Fragrance in the garden comes in many forms most of which are delicately sweet and sensuous but we can also be seduced by the delightful scents that come from Australian Native plants. From these we get those earthy warm scents that are so evocative of the bush because many Australian plants have foliage that is rich in aromatic oils. The Native Mint Bush, Prostanthera has an incredibly strong and almost pungent aroma when the leaves are crushed. Whatever ‘smells’ you like, it is important to consider what variety and where you position these plants.  To have the sense of smell can add to the satisfaction of gardening because there are quite literally hundreds of plants that you can surround yourself with, and they will charm and remind you that they are there as part of your total sensory experience.  When planting you have to consider the positioning of these ‘fragrant wonders.’ It’s no use planting a Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora) close to the house. It is better to be in the far corner of the garden to develop into a wonderful tree. You will still enjoy the strong lemon scented foliage on a warm summer’s day.  Other lemon scented plants are the Lemon Scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) and the Lemon Scented Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii.) Lemon Verbena, Lemon Grass, Lemon scented Thyme and Lemon Balm are all herbs with strong foliage fragrances.
When thinking about Australian fragrances, the one that so often springs to mind is that irresistible scent from a Brown Boronia. This fragrance is sheer magic and even if you don’t have a huge amount of success in growing these, it is still worthwhile buying a Brown Boronia every year! Then there is the Correa Chefs Cap (Correa baeuerlenii) that has a cute shaped flower producing a strong lolly scent when crushed!  What about some exotics? Another long list and I think everyone would have a few favourites. A Rose isn’t really a Rose unless it has a scent! Gardenias have a strong perfume, whilst Daphne is so sweet and gorgeous. A little known plant is Osmanthus fragrans. This shrub isn’t much of a looker but the tiny little flowers will perfume your whole garden with a very strong apricot fragrance. This is a must for any garden!  Citrus have sweet smelling ‘orange blossom’ flowers which the bees love.  Think of Lavender, Rosemary, Pelargoiums with such strongly fragrant foliage, the almost musky scents from Wisteria, sweetly pretty Jasmine, lolly scented Port Wine Magnolia…..the list goes on! Whatever you do in your garden, always consider the fragrance of your plants. Careful planning and planting will make your garden that little bit more enjoyable.

Courtesy NGINA (Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT)