Find more about the perfect Scented plant species and the how to preserve their smell

There is a wide range of scented plants that are ideal for a balcony or patio. Colourful plants with distinct aromas are available and include annuals, herbaceous plants, small garden bushes and exotic container plants. You can store herbaceous plants in pots while scented annuals are propagated in dishes.

The right position

Scented plants originated from regions with plenty of sunlight such as Asia and South America . Scented plants grow well in brightly sunlit positions. Actually it's been proven that the scent becomes more prominent when the plant is in a sunny position.

Position close to a heat absorbing wall is ideal for nocturnal. Scented plants should be protected from draught this allows the scent to stay longer. Container plants should be kept in a frost-free brightly lit place. Hardy plants can survive on a balcony or patio as long as they are not subjected to very cold weather.

Preserving flower scents

It is impossible to dry flowers and leaves and still allow them to maintain their rich aroma. Drying can be done in various ways.

Air dry flowers

The plants need to be planted in a dry, warm place which has adequate air circulation. Do not allow the flowers to be subjected to too much sunlight because they will fade. Hang bunches and single flowers upside down by their stalks. Leaves need to be removed then - tightly bend bunches using a normal rubber band. Single flowers can be attached to string or wire. Lay out single flowers and leaves singly and spaciously. Alternatively you can dry the leaves and flowers in an oven (set at 90`C). Make sure that the flowers do not burn.

Preserving single flowers in silicon gel

This method helps preserve the colours of the flowers. Silicon gel is widely available and can be reused. Place a 2cm thick layer of gel in a cardboard box and place the flowers on top of the gel. The blue gel will turn white after a few days and can be safely removed from the flowers which will have dried up.

Flower Potpourris

You can use dried flower petal as a scented potpourri for months. Mix different aromatic herbs to produce a spicy potpourri. Place the potpourri in a beautiful ceramic dish.

Scented flowers should be kept in a glass bowl which is flat and filed with water. This allows the scent to last longer. You can keep the scented flowers in aromatic boxes and they allow the scent to flow naturally from the box. Use essential oils to freshen up the potpourri when the smell id fading out. Store the sealed jar in a safe place for a week.

Scented cushions of sachets

Scented cushions are normally used to help one relax and sleep. You can use a small cushion of about 30 * 30cm. sheep's wool is very effective as an insert and then fill the cushion with Chamomile, lavender, thyme and Rosemary. If one suffers from cold then adding Eucalyptus chamomile or mint is good. When the scent starts fading away, sprinkle drops of essential oils on the pillow.

Scented sachets can be designed by filling colourful material with dry flower potpourri. They can be hung up in a room using string allowing them to fill the entire room with a healthy sweet aroma. You can use lavender as filling material in the home.