Of all the senses, smell is probably one of the most important as a sense of smell plays a vital role in our sense of well-being and quality of life.  
The average human being is able to recognize approximately 10,000 different odours and it’s recognised that a woman’s sense of smell is keener than a man’s.
Planting  sweet smelling flowers and shrubs can transform a garden and, in a world full of synthetic smells, what better way to revive your senses with the real thing?

Enduring rosemary
A woody perennial, rosemary can cope with a lot of neglect. Small specimens thrive in pots, but mature plants can reach up to 2m (6 ft) so it needs plenty of room in sunny borders.  The foliage is scented all year but is stronger in summer.  In the kitchen, the leaves complement lamb and pork and smell wonderful when thrown on an open fire or barbecue.

Calming lavender
Many people say the scent of lavender reminds them of their Aunt or Grandmother! This evergreen bush grows to 45cm (18in), has strong-scented foliage and flowers, and needs full sun and well-drained soil.
To dry the flowers, pick before they’re fully open and leave in the sun.  

3 ways to bring the scent of summer into your home

1. Grow fragrant herbs in a window box outside your kitchen window. Not only will they be easy to reach when you’re cooking, but the fresh, sweet smells will fill your kitchen.
2. Place pots of rosemary outside your patio doors and let the summer breeze gently waft the delicious fragrance into your home.  
3. Grow lavender either side of your front door, so you’re welcomed by it’s beautiful, relaxing scent.

Other plants to tickle your senses…

• Sweet peas    
• Thyme   
• Lilies
• Chocolate Cosmos    
• Honeysuckle    
• Mint
• Roses   
• Jasmine   
• Lemon
• Verbena