Post by Allan on Aug 6, 2007 22:50:09 GMT -5
The Garden
Many of us lead busy and complicated lives, forgetting the beauty of simplicities in life. A fragrant herb garden can calm, stimulate, heighten the senses, heal and add beauty and life to even the smallest of garden spaces. Fragrant herbs combined with other garden and wildflowers create what is sometimes referred to as a sensory garden.
What is an aromatic herb? One which possesses a strong and usually pleasant odor. Not all will agree that all plant aroma's are pleasant, and one plant may not smell the same to different people. Some aromatic herbs will exude a heavy scent on their own, some are more mild and are activated by brushing by or running your hand lightly through it. Scents range from mild to pungent floral, citrus, spicy, fruity and blends. Let's not discount fragrant bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and trees either for this purpose. I believe any plant that is aromatic and pleasing to you has emotional and psychological healing properties.
Aromatic gardens are personal healing spaces.
The plants you select are pleasing to you whether it be for the scent, texture or visual effects. For example, I have just started my aromatic healing space for a small patio. Along with a varied fern selection to soften the area, I have added scented geraniums (rose and old spice), rosemary and various patio roses, all in containers. My plans are to add some basil and thyme, nutmeg and ginger scented geraniums, lavender and some fragrant vines.
The more open your fragrance garden is, the lighter the scent will be if any especially on breezy days. Partially enclosed areas or areas behind wind breaks work well. You can create areas of quiet air using vines, trellises, shrubs and small trees. Add comfortable seating or a hammock, a wind chime, small fountain and you have a wonderful place to relax, rejuvenate and focus.
I personally like to purchase my plants first hand instead of on-line. Its fun to take a few hours and just smell the different varieties and see how they effect your mood, emotions etc. Only you know if you like the scent of that particular plant. If you purchase your chosen scent online, make sure you are getting the same plant variety you tested in person. For example, southernwood can smell like tangerines, or camphor depending on the variety. There are several types of rose geraniums such as Attar of Roses, Gray Lady Rose or Snowflake Rose, each with their own subtle differences which you may or may not like.
Many of us lead busy and complicated lives, forgetting the beauty of simplicities in life. A fragrant herb garden can calm, stimulate, heighten the senses, heal and add beauty and life to even the smallest of garden spaces. Fragrant herbs combined with other garden and wildflowers create what is sometimes referred to as a sensory garden.
What is an aromatic herb? One which possesses a strong and usually pleasant odor. Not all will agree that all plant aroma's are pleasant, and one plant may not smell the same to different people. Some aromatic herbs will exude a heavy scent on their own, some are more mild and are activated by brushing by or running your hand lightly through it. Scents range from mild to pungent floral, citrus, spicy, fruity and blends. Let's not discount fragrant bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and trees either for this purpose. I believe any plant that is aromatic and pleasing to you has emotional and psychological healing properties.
Aromatic gardens are personal healing spaces.
The plants you select are pleasing to you whether it be for the scent, texture or visual effects. For example, I have just started my aromatic healing space for a small patio. Along with a varied fern selection to soften the area, I have added scented geraniums (rose and old spice), rosemary and various patio roses, all in containers. My plans are to add some basil and thyme, nutmeg and ginger scented geraniums, lavender and some fragrant vines.
The more open your fragrance garden is, the lighter the scent will be if any especially on breezy days. Partially enclosed areas or areas behind wind breaks work well. You can create areas of quiet air using vines, trellises, shrubs and small trees. Add comfortable seating or a hammock, a wind chime, small fountain and you have a wonderful place to relax, rejuvenate and focus.
I personally like to purchase my plants first hand instead of on-line. Its fun to take a few hours and just smell the different varieties and see how they effect your mood, emotions etc. Only you know if you like the scent of that particular plant. If you purchase your chosen scent online, make sure you are getting the same plant variety you tested in person. For example, southernwood can smell like tangerines, or camphor depending on the variety. There are several types of rose geraniums such as Attar of Roses, Gray Lady Rose or Snowflake Rose, each with their own subtle differences which you may or may not like.