Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums is not common to container gardening. Most gardeners consider scented geraniums as a floral plant, not an herbal plant but the species, known as pelargonium, is an herb with many uses. This beautiful herb has many diverse aromas and stunning colours to delight your senses. The scented geranium is best utilised in container gardening for 2 reasons. You can control the dirt and moisture, and two it is possible to bring it inside when a frost is imminent.
The scented geranium was found in Africa from the 1600’s and sent to England where it became popular. The gardener of King Charles I climbed many different scented geraniums from the royal greenhouse. The Victorians believed they were geraniums as opposed to an herbal plant but if you examine their asymmetrical leaves you can see the difference between scented geraniums and routine geraniums.
The scented geranium is quite an herbal plant for all seasons. It grows and has a beautiful aroma throughout the summer and spring and when the chilly winds of autumn threaten this hardy herbal plant will happily co-exist inside with you. Nothing may be better when container gardening includes scented geranium with their beautiful flowers, beautiful scented leaves, and sturdy features for year round enjoyment of your perceptions.
True to their name scented geraniums come in a number of fragrances. Seemly, the favourite is the rose scented geranium but other teucrium fruticans are gaining popularity quickly. Some of the more robustly implanted would be the apple scented, peppermint scented, timber, such as cedar or balsam, nutmeg and citronella also known as the mosquito buster. Their leaves alone will contrast to provide you with a stunning container garden. The little smooth leaves of the nutmeg scented geranium, or Lady Mary, to the massive musk scented leaves of the Lady Plymouth.
The rose scented geraniums are gaining popularity for relaxing and therefore are increasingly utilised in mediation and for healing purposes. The plant actually releases a delicious rose scent when rubbed against or crushed. Simply brush the leaves to release their scent or create a soothing rose geranium teas that will assist you relax.
There are many culinary uses for the scented geranium to pleasure your taste buds. Chop the leaves up and blend with your other favourite herbs such as Chives or chervil or thyme to produce interesting flavoured butters or drops and spreads. A really smart way to use the leaves would be to line a skillet when making pies, puddings or cakes to impart a superb taste to your desserts. Use them for desserts, syrups or custards for another exceptional flavour. You can make flavoured sugar by coating dry, fresh leaves with sugar.