Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums isn’t 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 colors 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
It 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 a herbal plant for all seasons. It develops 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 if container gardening contains scented geranium with their beautiful flowers, lovely scented leaves, and sturdy features for year round enjoyment of your perceptions.
Fragances
True to their name scented geraniums come in a number of fragrances. Seemly, the favorite is the rose scented geranium but others 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 know as the mosquito buster.) It is possible to plant a complete container garden with this 1 kind of plant and have a gorgeous diversity. 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 calming and are increasingly utilised in mediation and for healing purposes. The plant really releases a delicious rose scent when rubbed against or crushed. Just brush the leaves to release their scent or create a soothing rose geranium tea that will assist you relax.
Culinary uses
There are lots of culinary uses for the scented geranium to delight your taste buds. Chop the leaves up and blend with your other preferred herbs such as chives or chervil or chamomile to produce interesting flavored butters or dips and spreads. A really smart way to use the leaves would be to line a baking pan when making pies, puddings or cakes to impart a superb taste to your desserts. Use them for desserts, syrups or custards for another exceptional flavor. You may even make flavored sugar by coating dry, fresh leaves with sugar. Let them sit a few days, remove the leaves and keep the sugar in an air tight container. This may be used in teas, baking products, or as a sugar scrub. They are beautiful in baths and infused in water to wash your hair.
The scented geranium is a great as a room freshener or added to potpourri. Try adding some to your vacuum bag or place them in a mesh bag and add them into your dryer for a new fresh scent for your garments.
Scented geraniums are grown from cuttings taken from the mother plant. Cut three to four inches just above a leaf. Strip the lower leaves off and place in a rooting medium, like a mixture of sphagnum peat moss. Place your cutting bright light and keep it moist. When roots are established it is time to put it in your container garden. Make sure that the soil is porous and quick draining.
When the scented geranium is inside it’s essential to feed it once a week to ensure whole leaf growth. Pinching back the plant not only promotes bushy growth but releases a delicious aroma to the air. Keep the soil evenly moist; don’t over water them as this will kill them. They can return from overly dry circumstances but not wet ones.
Conclusion
Now it’s time to bring this multi-talented plant into your container garden. Just one word of warning, as soon as you get to know the scented geranium your herbal garden won’t ever be without it.
