5 Ways to Bring Scent Into Your Garden

5 Ways to Bring Scent into Your Garden: A Guide for Homeowners in Sussex and Surrey

There’s something truly magical about walking through a garden and being greeted by a beautiful fragrance on the breeze. Whether it’s the heady scent of jasmine in the evening or the sweet perfume of roses in the summer sun, adding scent to your outdoor space transforms it into a place of sensory delight. Fragrance in the garden doesn’t just uplift your mood; it also evokes memories, calms the mind, and creates a unique atmosphere that is entirely personal to you. Unlike visual beauty, which can be observed from a distance, fragrance invites you in, encouraging you to pause, breathe deeply, and truly inhabit the space.

Many homeowners across Sussex and Surrey already enjoy the beauty of seasonal colour, texture, and structure in their gardens, but scent is often an overlooked element. Yet it’s this very detail that can elevate your outdoor area from pleasant to unforgettable. The good news is, you don’t need a massive space or a complicated planting plan to incorporate scent into your garden. Even a small courtyard, patio, or balcony can become a fragrant oasis with a bit of thoughtful planning. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to introduce beautiful scents into your garden, all tailored to the climate and lifestyle of Sussex and Surrey homeowners.

1.Think Seasonally: A Year-Round Fragrant Garden

One of the secrets to a truly scented garden is choosing plants that flower at different times of the year. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of planting for summer alone, but with some foresight, you can enjoy fragrance from late winter right through to late autumn.

Start with early bloomers to lift your spirits at the end of a long winter. Plants like Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box) may not look showy, but they produce a surprisingly strong vanilla-like scent in the coldest months. Daphnes, too, are winter-spring heroes, with compact forms and powerful fragrance. As spring transitions into summer, you can begin to enjoy hyacinths and lilacs, followed by the heady scent of roses and lavender at their peak. Come late summer and autumn, climbers like honeysuckle and jasmine keep the fragrance going into the longer evenings.

When choosing your plants, look at bloom times and group them according to season. This way, you ensure that as one fragrant display fades, another is just beginning.

2. Placement is Everything: Location, Location, Location

There’s no point in having a beautifully scented plant tucked away at the far end of the garden where it rarely gets noticed. The trick is to place fragrant plants where you’ll actually experience them. Think about where you spend time: entrances, pathways, patios, seating areas, and even outside your kitchen or bedroom window.

Planting near paths or doorways means you’ll catch the scent every time you pass. Imagine brushing past lavender on the way to your front door or being greeted by jasmine’s perfume each time you step onto your patio. If you enjoy sitting out in the evening, plant evening-scented species like night-scented stock or Nicotiana close by. Containers and raised beds are fantastic for this purpose as you can position them just where you want them and even move them around as needed.

Also consider the prevailing wind direction in your garden. Positioning scented plants where breezes can carry their perfume across your space helps the fragrance travel. In sheltered spots, the scent can linger and become more intense.

3. Choose What You Love: Scents That Suit You

Not all floral scents are created equal, and what delights one person may overwhelm another. Some flowers release a musky or spicy scent, while others are sweet or citrusy. It’s a good idea to explore different types of fragrances before planting extensively. Visit local botanical gardens, nurseries, or garden centres in Sussex and Surrey and get up close to the flowers. Do you prefer the warm spice of dianthus, the honeyed sweetness of honeysuckle, or the sharp, clean notes of eucalyptus?

Think about when you use your garden most. If you’re a morning tea-on-the-patio type, you’ll want plants that release their scent early in the day. If your garden time is mainly evenings and weekends, opt for species that release fragrance later or throughout the day.

Combining different scents in one area can work beautifully, but be careful not to overdo it. Too many strong fragrances in one spot can clash rather than complement. Aim for harmonious layering and give each fragrant star its own space to shine.

The Best Scented Plants for Gardens in Sussex and Surrey

Here’s a list of tried-and-true favourites that thrive in the local climate and offer beautiful fragrance across the seasons. With these in your garden, you’ll have a steady rotation of floral scent from February to October.

Spring

Daphne odora – This evergreen shrub blooms in late winter to early spring with intensely fragrant pinkish-purple flowers. Ideal near doorways or paths.
Hyacinths – Bold colours and even bolder fragrance. Plant in groups for impact. Ideal in containers where you can bring them close when they bloom.
Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa) – Tiny white flowers in late winter with a powerful, sweet scent. Thrives in shade.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) – Delicate scent, low-growing, and great for woodland-style planting.

Summer

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A staple for any scented garden. Aromatic foliage and flowers. Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Roses (English and old-fashioned varieties) – Many modern hybrids lack scent, so choose varieties bred for fragrance like ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, ‘Munstead Wood’, or ‘The Generous Gardener’.
Philadelphus (Mock Orange) – Masses of white, citrus-scented flowers in early summer. Perfect for borders.
Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) – Not all are scented, but those that are have a light, fresh fragrance and large, showy blooms.

Autumn

Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) – Long-flowering and beautifully scented. A wildlife-friendly climber that works well on fences and pergolas.
Clerodendrum trichotomum – A small tree or large shrub with jasmine-scented flowers in late summer and showy berries after.
Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) – Smells like dark chocolate! Needs a sheltered, sunny spot.

Evening Scents & Climbers

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) – Classic evening fragrance, best grown in a sheltered, sunny spot.
Nicotiana (Tobacco Plant) – Often scentless during the day but releases strong fragrance at night.
Night-scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala) – Small flowers with big impact come dusk. Ideal for pots and window boxes.

4. Herbs and Foliage Fragrance

Don’t forget that many herbs offer wonderful scent through their foliage alone. Rosemary, thyme, mint, and basil not only smell amazing when brushed but can be used in your kitchen as well. Lemon verbena has an especially zesty aroma and is perfect for potpourris or teas.

Herbs are perfect for smaller gardens, patios, or even apartment balconies in towns and villages across Sussex and Surrey. They do well in containers and prefer a sunny spot. Try planting a fragrant herb garden near your kitchen door for easy access and daily pleasure.

Bonus Tips for a Fragrant Garden

Group Plants for Impact: Scented flowers often work best when planted in drifts. A single hyacinth may go unnoticed, but a cluster of them will create a noticeable pocket of scent.
Use Vertical Space: Arches, pergolas, and trellises are perfect for climbers like honeysuckle, jasmine, and roses. Position these over paths or entrances to create a scented gateway.
Plan for Evening: If you like to entertain outdoors, choose plants that release scent in the evening. Add subtle lighting to enhance the experience.
Combine Texture and Scent: Combine scented plants with those that add visual texture and sound, such as ornamental grasses that rustle in the breeze. This turns your garden into a multi-sensory retreat.
Keep It Well-Tended: Deadhead flowers to encourage further blooms and prune shrubs after flowering to maintain their shape and health. A healthy plant will produce better and longer-lasting scent.

5.Create Your Own Scented Sanctuary

Bringing fragrance into your garden doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It starts with choosing a few key plants that delight your senses and placing them where you can enjoy them every day. Whether you live in a detached home in the countryside, a townhouse in Guildford, or a flat in Brighton with a balcony, you can build a space that soothes, delights, and inspires through the simple joy of scent.

Are you ready to plan your scented garden? Sign up for my mailing list and receive a free garden layout planning guide to help you design your perfect space. You’ll also be the first to get updates when new blog posts and gardening tips go live.

Let’s make our outdoor spaces in Sussex and Surrey not just look beautiful, but smell unforgettable too.

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How to involve children in gardening tasks

Grandparents gardening with their grandchild.

Gardening is a simple but powerful way to spend quality time with your children or grandchildren while supporting their mental and physical health. In today’s world, where screens often dominate family life, introducing your little ones to gardening can be a breath of fresh air—literally. A well-thought-out garden isn’t just a patch of soil; it can be a place of discovery, creativity, and joy for children, providing experiences that stick with them for life. Here are some tips on how to involve children in gardening task:

Gardening: A Calm Oasis for Young Minds

We all want our children to grow up happy and resilient, and spending time outdoors in the garden is a wonderful way to nurture that. Gardening combines physical activity with moments of quiet focus, creating a natural way to unwind. For children, the act of planting seeds or watering flowers can bring a sense of accomplishment and calm. Studies even show that green spaces help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost concentration.

Gardening teaches patience and persistence too. Children learn to wait for seeds to sprout and flowers to bloom, showing them the rewards of time and care. For little ones struggling with anxiety or focus, the repetitive, hands-on tasks like digging and planting can be especially grounding.

A Natural Workout

It’s easy to overlook how physical gardening can be. Pulling weeds, pushing wheelbarrows, and digging soil are fantastic ways to keep kids active and improve their coordination. These tasks also help develop fine and gross motor skills, which are essential in their early years.

Gardening doesn’t just get children moving; it can also spark an interest in healthy eating. When kids grow their own vegetables or herbs, they’re far more likely to try them on their plate. Imagine the pride they’ll feel plucking a juicy tomato or picking fresh basil for the family dinner—it’s an experience that nurtures both body and soul.

Reconnecting with Nature

Children are naturally curious about the world, and a garden is the perfect place to explore it. Watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, noticing how bees buzz around flowers, or learning how compost helps plants grow can ignite a lifelong fascination with nature.

Gardening also teaches kids to value and respect their environment. Through hands-on activities, they develop a better understanding of how ecosystems work. This can spark conversations about sustainability, showing them that even small actions—like planting pollinator-friendly flowers—make a difference.

Stepping Away from Screens

Let’s face it: it’s tough to compete with the allure of screens. But gardening offers something screens can’t—the joy of creating something real with their own hands. When children see their flowers bloom or vegetables grow, the sense of achievement is unmatched. This hands-on activity can naturally pull kids away from devices, offering them a fulfilling and creative way to spend their time.

As parents, we can make gardening a family affair. Whether it’s planting a bed of bright flowers or designing a vegetable patch together, these shared experiences build memories and strengthen bonds. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine alongside them.

How to involve children in gardening tasks by watering vegetables with a watering can.

Making Gardening Fun for Kids

If you’re new to gardening or wondering how to make it more exciting for children, here are a few tips to get started:

Pick Kid-Friendly Plants: Choose plants that grow quickly or are especially colourful and fun, like sunflowers, snapdragons, or strawberries. Kids love to see fast results and bright colours.
Add a Playful Touch: Create little paths or secret spots for kids to explore, like stepping stones leading to a hidden patch of flowers or a “fairy garden” corner.
Grow Snacks: Edible plants like peas, carrots, and cherry tomatoes are not only easy to grow but also give kids a tasty reward for their efforts.
Use Child-Sized Tools: Smaller spades, gloves, and watering cans make gardening more accessible and enjoyable for young hands.
Invite Wildlife: Bird feeders, a bug hotel, or even a small child-safe water feture can turn the garden into an exciting habitat. Kids will love spotting different creatures and learning about them.

Lifelong Lessons in Responsibility and Growth

Gardening isn’t just about growing plants; it’s about growing life skills. When children take responsibility for watering plants or pulling weeds, they learn how small daily efforts lead to big results. They also see first-hand the importance of caring for living things, fostering empathy and compassion.

Beyond these practical skills, gardening encourages creativity. Whether it’s designing a flower bed or choosing what to plant, children have the chance to express themselves. These moments of decision-making and problem-solving can help build confidence that carries over into other areas of their lives.

The Big Picture when involving children in gardening tasks: A Healthier Future

Introducing your children to gardening now can have a lasting impact. Early exposure to outdoor activities instils a love for fresh air and movement, setting the foundation for an active lifestyle. The connection they develop with nature may also inspire them to make eco-friendly choices as they grow up.

Gardening teaches kids to appreciate the world around them and the effort it takes to sustain it. Whether they go on to grow their own gardens or simply carry an appreciation for nature, the seeds you plant today will shape the way they see the world tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Gardening is an incredibly rewarding activity for children and parents alike. It’s a chance to spend meaningful time together, teach life skills, and create lasting memories. By stepping into the garden, children can leave behind the distractions of screens and step into a world of growth, discovery, and joy. So grab a trowel, dig into the soil, and watch your family bloom. This article will also be published in the ABC Sussex Magazine in March 2025.

If you are lost and don’t know where to start, why not have a call with Victoria to discuss how Studio Hummingbird can help you to transform your garden to make it more inviting to take up gardening.

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