Gardening by Judith Adam Beyond petals Flowering summer annuals provide a backbone of vibrant colour in summer containers but, for a fuller sensual experience, consider flowering plants with the bonus of fragrant foliage. Adding containers of these tropical ornamentals will greatly enhance a scented garden experience. Lavender is a good choice for containers close to a seating arrangement, where the slightest brush of a hand releases the classic fragrance into the air. Lavender has been commercially grown for more than 100 years and, in that time, many hybrids have been developed. Among them is ‘Twickel Purple’ (Lavendula angustifolia ‘Twickel Purple’), developed at Twickel Castle in Holland before 1922. This hybrid lavender is noticeably larger than any others in the category. With grey-green leaves and dense purple flowers on spikes appearing in fan-like clusters, ‘Twickel Purple’ would be an asset all summer. The strongly upright lines of lavender branches could be enhanced with a few clumps of lobelia to cascade over the edges. Feverfew is a hardy perennial plant that has been familiar in cottage gardens for centuries. Its soft and lacy foliage is deeply honey-scented and a pleasure to touch, sending sweet perfume into the air. Charming white daisy flowers with yellow centres appear generously in early to mid-summer. In addition to the standard plant (18 to 24 inches) with classic single flowers, there are some feverfew hybrids available. Golden feverfew ‘Aureum’ is a dwarf (12 to 14 inches) clump-forming plant with chartreuse foliage turning to green in summer and covered with white single daisies. ‘White Pompom’ has double flowers. ‘Tetra White’ is another double flower with fluffy white snowball-like blooms. Plants are available at garden centres and may sometimes be found in the herb section. They’re also easy to grow from seed. Hummingbird sage ‘Black and Blue’ (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’) is a frost tender tropical plant that grows quickly in a large container. Its long stems carry fruit-scented slightly fuzzy leaves and attractive funnel-shaped blue-and-black flowers. It is constantly in flower through summer months and has great appeal to hummingbirds. If you’ve never had a chance to see these amazing hummers up close, this will be your best opportunity. Once they discover the plant, you can expect frequent visits throughout the day. Tropical-scented plants are available from garden centres and through online mail order purchase. These scented plants will perform well in patio containers, with half a day or more of sun. Use a purchased soilless planting mix and water three or more times a week, as needed. Commercial liquid fertilizer provided every two to three weeks will keep plants growing and blooming for as long as possible. If you’re planting into traditional clay pots, be aware that this is a porous material and will transpire water through the sides of the pots. Terra cotta pots tend to dry out soil quickly and may require more frequent watering. This is easily avoided by lining the pots with thin plastic sheets (such as grocery carriers or dry-cleaning bags), being sure to cut a large hole in the bottom allowing water to drain. Settle the plastic film into the pots and press it along the pot walls, then cut a large hole in the bottom. Fill with soilless potting mix and set your plants into the pot, gently firming them into position. Trim excess protruding plastic at half an inch above soil level. Provide water and fertilizer, and enjoy the sweet scents all summer. Plants with appeal to all the senses Once again at home, summer is a familiar setting of colourful blooms, soft breezes and yourself in a lounge chair. But what’s that in the air? Could it be a perfume so intoxicating that it draws you deeper into the green? Filling containers with perfumed plants is one way to experience summer in a completely ‘scentsational’ way. 44 | www.snowbirds.org
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