Planting for fragrance

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One of the things about a small enclosed space like The Tropical Paradise is that it captures and contains fragrance. When the flowers are blooming, the smell is wonderful. And so it's wise to consider fragrance as part of garden design. I just walked outside this morning and my first impression was the fragrance of flowers!

Because of the nature of the small space here, confined by block walls, the smells linger. That means that hyacinth, freesia, alyssum, and other fragrant plants are so effective here. But there is a drawback to this type of space. Bad smells linger, too. I am very careful to clean up right away after my dog! I have a few neighbors who go outside to smoke, which is nasty, and that smell lingers, too. I also planted some *deserty* types of flowers here many years ago that gave off an unpleasant musty smell. They had to go! Also keep in mind that that wonderful fragrance, and color, of your flowers attracts bees. They don't bother me or the little dog, but they are there, and if they make you nervous, maybe you shouldn't plant flowers.

The flower show is just beginning here at The Tropical Paradise. It should be very nice until April, after which the heat will come on, and the show will be over for the season. You can start planting again in September.


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