When we breathe in the scent of a flower it’s as though we are drinking in all the delights of Nature. It’s well known that some scents evoke poignant memories and we all have our favourites – and our less favourites! The aromas in a flower – or any other part of the plant – come primarily from their essential oils. Some oils help the plants repel predators or protect themselves from disease, others are designed to attract beneficial insects – and humans it seems – offering valuable rewards in return for pollination – or for growing in your garden.

We have chosen three herbs for The Scented Garden with truly delicious smells. Roman chamomile is fresh and fruity, bringing balance and harmony (it’s different from the German chamomile we usually drink as a herbal tea); lavender is full of summer’s sweet and relaxing balm; and clary sage’s sublime delicacy lets our spirit soar.

For the optimum perfumer’s pleasure, enjoy them every day when they are in flower.

Species in the collection: Lavender, English; Clary Sage & Chamomile, Roman.

**How to Use**

**Aroma-Therapy**

Place your nose just above the flower – watch out for any buzzing bees – and take a deep inhalation, savouring the scent. Then take a long exhalation and repeat a few times. Enjoy observing how you feel, and your feelings change, as you breathe the sublime fragrances in and out.

Roman chamomile and lavender both retain their aromas when dried. Clary sage loses some of its potency after drying, but can be preserved by freezing fresh flowers in an ice-cube; just melt when needed.

**Flower Water**

A lovely way to enjoy the amazing aromas of these herbs away from the garden is to make a freshly infused flower water that you can enjoy as face wash.

Collect a small handful of the lavender, roman chamomile or clary sage flowers and add them to a clear glass jar, cover with water and seal with a lid. Place in the sunlight for 2-3 hours and then strain. Enjoy as a refreshing wash for revitalising your skin and uplifting your spirits.

This is the same method as making a Sun Tea, so the flower water can be sipped too.

**Floral Ice-Cubes**

Collect whole fresh flowers and add to the ice-cube tray before popping in the freezer.

**Potpourri**

Of course a great way to keep a bit of summer shining in your home all year long is to have them emanating their fine aromas inside. Collect the most fragrant herbs at their peak and dry them at a very low heat (around 30-35C) in a well ventilated area. Then store them in an airtight container for blending into fragrant mixes that you can leave out in a jar or bowl. When the mood takes you, gently crush the herbs to release there delicate perfume and linger as a natural air freshener.

Always read the information on each individual herb to find out how to use them properly.

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