Since last October, I've participated in an online meeting with other gardeners on a roughly monthly basis to discuss selected garden books. Last week, we discussed The Scentual Garden: Exploring the World of Botanical Fragrance by Ken Druse. I'd recommended the book based mainly on its fabulous photographs; however, the general consensus was that it's a "coffee table book." Druse addressed the science of scent, how it can be captured and preserved, and how scented plants can be presented in a landscape but his central focus was on classification. I for one was disappointed there wasn't more emphasis on how to use fragrant plants in association and how to carry fragrance through the seasons. The book nonetheless spurred a lively discussion about how each of us respond to the scents in our own gardens, which fragrances we like and which we don't. That exchange emphasized points Druse made in the introductory section of his book: scent is in the "nose of the beholder" and, in many cases, how we feel about a scent depends a lot on the long-term memories associated with them.
I didn't set out to select plants for this week's "In a Vase on Monday" post based on scent but, as it turned out, I ended up with two arrangements this week each of which included stems of particularly pungent scented plants. The first arrangement was inspired by the Agapanthus just now beginning to bloom in my garden. If Agapanthus has a scent, my nose is incapable of detecting it but two of the other plants I included in the mix did register, one very strongly.
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| My theme was color, not scent, based. I chose blue and white colored flowers. The scent was supplied by Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman', another Salvia hybrid, and the minty foliage of Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata'. |
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| Back view: The mint scent of the variegated Prostanthera is light and very pleasant. I expect I could tuck a few stems in my pillow case and have nothing but sweet dreams. In contrast, the Salvias have a heavy, musky scent. I expect that they would bother me with prolonged exposure in an enclosed space. |
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| Top view: The other elements had little or no noticeable scent |
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| Top row: noID Agapanthus and two of the varied colors of Consolida ajacis 'Summer Skies' mix Middle row: noID Delphinium, Gilia tricolor, and Globularia x indubia Bottom row: Phacelia tanacetifolia, Prostanthera ovalifolia 'Variegata', and Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman' (Included but not shown in close-up is Salvia leucophylla x clevelandii 'Pozo Blue') |
I should note that Druse is based in the northeastern part of the US. His book emphasizes the plants with which he's most familiar and there's relatively little overlap with the plants I grow in the Mediterranean climate of my coastal Southern California garden. The inspiration for my second arrangement this week was the Matilija poppies (Romneya coulteri) blooming on my back slope. This genus isn't mentioned in Druse's book. I can detect a only a light scent from the flowers but bees love the plant.
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| I took this photo in the California Natives display garden at Seaside Gardens Nursery just over a week ago. The bees really do swarm the blooms like this but, as the blooms in my garden are generally well over head-height, I don't manage to catch photos like this here. |
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| The Matilija poppies established a color theme for this arrangement as well |
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| Back view: The only flowers with scent I can detect in this arrangement are those of the Achillea 'Moonshine', which has a marigold-like scent I find unpleasant when sniffed close up, and Tagetes lemmonii, which I like in moderation but I know some people detest |
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| Top view |
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| Top row: Abelia grandiflora 'Hopley's Variegated', Achillea 'Moonshine', and Alstroemeria 'Inca Sundance' Middle row: Alstroemeria 'Claire' and Centranthus ruber albus Bottom row: Romneya coulteri and Tagetes lemmonii |
My husband is more sensitive to scent than I am. He's objected to the smell of Tagetes lemmonii in the past so I use it sparingly in arrangements. I can't remember if he's complained about Salvia clevelandii before but I personally find it a heavy scent so I'm waiting to see if he says anything. What scents do you prize in your garden? Are there scented plants you grow despite finding their fragrance objectionable?
For more IAVOM creations, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2021 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
So glad you to read your critique of the Druse book! I'm a fan of the scent of Tagetes lemmonii and the round-leaved mint bush too. I always dip my nose into V. bonariensis as I pass by -- nice that it seeded near a path! I think I'm going to enjoy the romneya in your posts! It's in bloom on my street now and the size of the plants is always astonishing when they fully leaf out. Perfect for your gully!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get Verbena bonariensis to self-seed here, Denise. I just planted a dwarf variety called 'Little One' in the hope I'll be luckier with it. As to the Romneya, I tried to dig it out last year as it's crowding a Ceanothus arboreus but it came back - I'm going to try again this fall but I'm not sure I'll ever be rid of it.
DeleteAll beautiful but the blue and white vases take my breath away and not because of the scent. Funnily I've delved into the same subject as I find scent most intriguing. It's challenging to describe the different scents, isn't it. My husband definitely favours different perfumes than I do and finds lilac unbearable. Happy June days, Kris, enjoy your garden :)
ReplyDeleteDruse similarly complained about certain jasmine scented flowers - too intense for his nose, which is obviously more sensitive than mine. On the other hand, he stated that he likes the smell of marigolds, which I find borderline disgusting. Smell really is in the nose of the beholder it seems!
DeleteWhoa! Look at those lovely bees! My bees would be very impressed! And I do love all the beauties in your vases this week. Beautiful blues and the poppies are a delight! Amanda https://therunningwave290580645.wordpress.com/2021/05/31/the-wild-things-in-a-vase-on-monday/
ReplyDeleteThose poppies clearly excite the bees!
DeleteOn a nursery adventure up in Washington with Peter (the Outlaw) and Alison (Bonney Lassie) a few years back, Peter and I both bought Salvia clevelandii. I was in the backseat of the car with both plants for a very long drive back to Tacoma, I thought I was going to pass out the scent was so strong. I love it in the garden but I doubt I would like it as a cut stem in the house due to my memory of that drive.
ReplyDeleteHa! I'm not surprised that the intense scent of that Salvia is now entrenched in your memory based on that experience, Loree. When I work around (or in) either Salvia clevelandii or rosemary for any length of time, the scent overwhelms me and I can even smell it on my clothes for hours afterwards.
DeleteOh that blue vase is absolutely gorgeous Kris, and did you detect the little face in the central poppy bloom....! �� Interesting disussion on scent and as the writer suggests it is perhaps very much a case of each to their own, although there are probably other instances similar to that of Danger Garden where they have been put off a scent for life!!
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't notice the poppy's face until you drew my attention to it, Cathy!
DeleteOh beautiful vases as always Kris and a most interesting post. Some beautiful shades of blues in your first vase and the romneya flowers are fabulous both outside and in a vase. Scent is so subjective. I still grow lilies and hyacinths although I can't bear to be in the house with either in close proximity. On the subject of scent I'm making my way through a fascinating book called 'Scent Magic' by Isobel Bannerman which takes you through the seasons. I love the idea of discussing gardening books online with fellow gardeners. How do you choose which book to read for your discussions?
ReplyDeleteEarly on, we took suggestions on books and had the participants vote on them - there are just 7 of us, which makes selections, as well as online discussions, easier. More recently, we've asked participants to each take a turn selecting a book, which is fine too. I'd initially chosen 'Under Western Skies' as my selection but it was a new publication, scheduled for release too late in May to work for this month's discussion so I selected 'The Scentual Garden' instead based on Druse's reputation. By general agreement, we're reading 'Under Western Skies' as our June selection.
DeleteLove your arrangements this week, Kris. I'd be thrilled to see either of these on my table! The Matilja poppies are boldly striking and the other flowers complement them well. I love the deep velvety blue delphinium.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scents in the garden are Korean Spicebush, Convallaria, Peonies and Lilacs– all spring bloomers. Mint and lavender are nice, too.
I share your fondness for mint (as long as it stays contained) and lavender, Eliza. Regrettably, I've little to no experience with the other plants.
DeleteYou might want to consider one of the three books on Mediterranean plants and gardens written by Olivier Filippi for your book club. All of them are filled with stunning pictures of the plants growing in their native habitat as well as gardens, and the books are dense with new ideas about how to garden with garrigue plants. Well, well worth reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the excellent suggestion, Sue. I've got Filippi's dry gardening handbook, the original 2008 edition, which I gather has been updated since. I've added the more recent books on dry garden design and Mediterranean gardens to my "wish list" for tracking purposes. Filippi HAS come up in prior discussion within our group so one or another of these may resonate with them - and, in any case, it's good to have the information on hand the next time my husband asks for a Christmas present idea :)
DeleteLovely bouquets especially the blues. Very romantic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine.
DeleteGorgeous arrangements Kris. Love the varied blues of the first one and the quality of scent makes it even more interesting. I found the peonies this year were more fragrant than I'd ever noticed (in a good way). Wonder if the strength of scents varies year to year. The poppies are just lovely, lovely and you found such good companions for them. I actually like the smell of marigolds. Have a great week Kris!
ReplyDeleteOne of the points Druse makes in his book is that the fragrance of flowers can vary over the course of time as some "notes" of the scent dissipate and others take charge so perhaps that may be a factor in what you noticed with your peonies.
DeleteWow - that is simply amazing how many bees are on that one bloom! I totally concur on scent being in the nose of the beholder & I often think of that when I smell lavender blooms, which I love so much but many people have the complete opposite reaction. I know there are some blooms I don't like the smell of, but can't recall which (which to me means that they must not be that bad!)
ReplyDeleteI love most lavenders, Margaret, but there's one, Lavandula multifida (aka California lavender), that always smells a little off to me - but I grow it anyway!
DeleteThere's something about those shades of blue that just melts my heart...or makes it beat faster. :) The poppies are stunning, too. Lately, I keep thinking, "Wow, that lotion I put on this morning is a beautiful scent." And then I realize it's the flowers blooming all around me. Special time of year here. Nature's perfume. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful realization to have about your garden, Beth. Now, if you could only bottle it ;)
DeleteI love both arrangements equally. I’m still not doing floral arrangements from the plants of my home garden, but I notice how all the contents of your 2nd arrangement can be matched to the colors of the Alstroemeria. I’m learning.
ReplyDeleteBecause I don’t tend to bring flowers indoors, my observation of their scent is based on being outside. Except for scented geraniums, I do not like the scent of pelargoniums grown for their flowers. In spite of this, yes, I still grow them because of their appearance or because they have sentimental value. Whenever I see Tagetes lemmonii, I love to rub the leaves and smell it! However, if I were to have it inside in a vase, it may be overpowering. On the other hand, because I had a Hippeastrum outside until it formed buds, I would have never known it had an outstanding fragrance if I had not brought it inside.
Lantana is a great example of a plant whose fragrance I find extremely objectionable but that i will still have in my garden because of the flower color and because it attracts pollinators! Lol
I know that a lot of gardeners don't like to cut flowers, Kay - I used to be one of them! I started small, cutting just a few stems from my tiny former garden to make miniature arrangements. When I moved here I started going a little crazy...I agree 100% on Lantana.
DeleteI love the blue arrangement - can't get an Agapanthus to flower though they have been in several places in the garden. I was wondering if you had the lemmoni Marigold. I bought seed recently and they won't germinate - when do they come up for you? Just added a Joy Perfume tree to my garden. I am anticipating the scent of Joy in the garden, it's a tropical Magnolia. M. champaca, I think.
ReplyDeleteI hope the Magnolia does well in your garden, Amelia - I've heard good things about it, although I've never seen it here. Tagetes lemmonii is a shrub, which I grew from a small plant obtained many years ago so I can't comment on how long it may take the seeds to germinate. It's evergreen here and usually blooms at least twice a year, in spring and fall, with the fall bloom flush generally being heavier.
DeleteThe Marigold sounds wonderful and is reportedly a good butterfly plant. Couldn't find a plant, so I bought seed. I have a feeling they may germinate in cooler weather..hopefully. Thanks.
DeleteNice complexity of shapes and color in that 2nd arrangement.
ReplyDeleteThe scent of the Itoh peonies was a surprise. I expected sweet herbaceous peony scent. Nope. A heavy, musky fragrance with a sharp edge. Unique. Now I take a whiff and think, Ah, Itoh time! Initially, though, I was rather appalled.
I might even accept a skunky scent in an Itoh peony, HB...
DeleteTwo gorgeous vases again Kris. So true that scents evoke memories and can threfore be pleasant or not. Honeysuckle always takes me back to carefree summer days in our garden. Lovely photo of all those bees. Hard to believe poppies can get so tall that you can't see the bees in yours.
ReplyDeleteThe Matilija poppies aren't true poppies, Cathy - their flowers simply look similar in form. In the genus Romneya, they spread via rhizomes for one thing.
Delete