Lemon Balm; photographed by ALJ
|
Mabel Grey; photographed by ALJ
|
Eucalyptus citriodora; photographed by ALJ
|
Lemon Verbena; photographed by ALJ
|
Lemon Monarda; photographed by ALJ
|
Scented Plants
|
| Think about your reaction to smells such as skunks, pulp mills, or garbage. Does revulsion and a wrinkled nose predominate? On the other hand, to catch a whiff of gardenia, honeysuckle, roses, or lavender is to be transported in rapture. Many people react more strongly to fragrances and odors than to visual stimulation. And everyone has certain memories awakened directly by smelling. One person's stink can be another's joy. |
| The world of plants is tremendously rich and varied in odors. Exploring with your nose is fascinating, especially when the scent is hidden so that you must "scratch and sniff" to release it. For example, the common Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga Menziesii) needles smell piney, which is unremarkable. But the grand fir (Abies grandis) needles, if squished, release a delightful tangerine fragrance. |
| Consider lemon-scented plants. The choices are numerous --everything from summer annuals to evergreen trees. Here are a dozen good ones: lemon balm (Melissa officinalis); lemon bergamot (Monarda citriodora); lemon catnip (Nepeta Cataria 'Citriodora'); lemon geranium (Pelargonium 'Mabel Grey' and others; lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus); lemon gum (Eucalyptus citriodora); lemon marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia and others); lemon mint (Mentha aquatica 'Lemon Bergamot'); lemon tea-tree (Leptospermum Petersonii); lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus; the best selection may be 'Doone Valley'); lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla or Lippia citriodora); and Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). Most of these plants can also be eaten. 'Doone Valley' lemon thyme is my favorite for adding to salads; lemon verbena makes a pleasing tea. |
While our climate allows year-round floral and foliar experiences, Seattle does not have a public scent garden. If you want to start smelling plants, the two best places in our area are the lovely Herbfarm in Fall City (out of business now) and the University of Washington Medicinal Herb Garden.
|
(Originally published in The Seattle Weekly, August 7, 1996, page 39, titled "Scratch 'n' sniff")
Back |
