Scents and Smells

I must be a rare exception amongst gardeners in that there are very few garden scents that I find to be particularly interesting. While the animal kingdom and most people who enjoy their gardens find scents really important, I honestly do not. I am probably missing a great deal but it does somewhat simplify my choice of planting scheme.

However, there are some exceptions. The aromas in the conservatory/ green house are often quite intoxicating. The tomatoes are always pleasant and the herbs, especially the basil, something very special. It probably says something about my epicurean delight in eating. I grow the sweet basil, which has a stronger smell than the Thai. Apparently, the Greek name for basil means “king”, which shows how highly it has been regarded throughout the ages. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a sun-loving annual with highly aromatic leaves that has been described as being a pleasant spicy odor and taste somewhat like anise or cloves.




The tomatoes paired with torn basil leaves are the key ingredients to our bruschetta, providing you have a little olive oil, feta and tasty bread as well. Mmmmm!