Cultivating joy

Looking for scented summer plants that are easy to care for and bring wellbeing and happiness? Let Sue Kent be your guide

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"I've tried to weave as many fragrant plants as possible into beds, borders and containers"

I spend a lot of time in my garden, which can require much effort, but I remind myself that with hard work comes big rewards and for me one of the greatest joys is the cultivation of scented plants, carefully located around the garden.

Smells can also be highly evocative as they are linked with the part of the brain that stores our memories and, to that effect, I’ve tried to weave in as many fragrant plants as I can into beds, borders and containers.

While the sense of smell can decline with age for some, it can also be strengthened by giving it a regular workout, breathing in different scents for 10 to 20 seconds each. In this way, my garden is like an outdoor gym for the nose, providing a pleasurable and positive boost for mind, body, and soul.

I grew up with scent being a motivator to spend time in the garden. My father planted a pink rose under my childhood bedroom window to flower on my birthday, and special tours from both mum and dad of all the roses in our garden to appreciate their beauty and scent was an annual affair. Outside, in between pavers on our south-facing patio, my mum planted a fragrant yellow broom, which grew so big it could not be avoided when walking around the patio - and what a treat that was! Although I haven't had success growing this in my current garden, whenever I come across it elsewhere, I'm instantly transported back to my happy days as a child outside.

Today, another pink rose, the thornless ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’, takes pride of place by my kitchen door, which leads straight onto an outdoor dining area. When in bloom it brings energy to the beginning of every day with its dynamic fruity fragrance. Its arresting colour also means I can't help but stop, smell, and breathe in the joy.