Scented Geranium Garden
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-804 -- More Projects »
Home and garden expert Karol DeWulf Nickell suggests sprucing up a drab porch or patio with a variety of scented geraniums.
- Scented geraniums produce a variety of smells--nutmeg, chocolate, cinnamon and rose. Choose the scent that blends in best with your surroundings.
- Scented geraniums flourish with lots of sun and frequent watering, although some varieties--the ones with fuzzy leaves like the peppermint-scented variety--do well in the shade or indoors.
These types of geraniums get very leggy. Pruning helps maintain their mound shape. When removing a stem, clip in close to the main stem (figure A).For a scented geranium to release its odor, its leaves must be touched. Rub or crumble the leaf gently (figure B)for a burst of scent.
Cover plants with a sheet or move them indoors during the winter or when a hard frost is coming.Group scented geraniums with other blooming plants for a pop of color. Add a wind chime or other toy that will tempt guests to touch the plant, which then releases its wonderful scent. Also try adding other scented herbs like rosemary or peppermint.Good drainage is important. Add shards of broken pots to the bottom of the planter to ensure that the roots don’t sit in water. This will also keep dirt from falling out of the drain hole whenever you move the plant.
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