Guest Author - Hellie T.
Lavender
The best varieties to grow for pot pourri are
L.Angustifolia – Munstead, deep purple and growing 12 to 18 inches,in my opinion the best one!
L.Angustifolia - Hidcote, which grows to 24 inches
L.Angustifolia - Folgate, which grows to 20 inches.
For historical details click here
Viola Odorata – English or Sweet Violet – likes a well drained yet moist site thriving in sun or partial shade.
Bergamot – Monarda
The best varieties to grow for your pot pourri are
Monarda Aquarius which has pale mauve flowers and grows up to 36 inches.
Monarda Scorpion which has magenta pink blooms, growing up to 36 inches.
Monarda Cambridge Scarlet not unsurprisingly has red flowers again growing up to 36 inches.
Monarda Mahogany has lovely dark burgundy red blooms.
Sweet Myrtle or Myrtle Communis
This grows into a bushy shrub and likes a sunny but moist site, well protected from the wind and frost. It is covered with creamy white fluffy blossoms in the summer.
The leaves are dark green and very aromatic. Blue black berries appear in autumn. It can grow to 8 foot and is lovely planted near the doors of houses.
Beware though English tradition has it that Myrtle will only thrive if planted by a woman.
Venus is said to have worn a wreath of myrtle when Paris gave her the golden apple and traditionally it is connected with love, often being used in wedding bouquets.
If a bridesmaid took a piece of this myrtle and planted it and it grew she could expect to marry very soon
The dried buds have a spicy flavour and can be used in stews and stuffings.
When picking the leaves for the best scent pick when there are flowers on the bush.
For sweet scented roses click here
Delphinums
They like a sunny spot with rich well drained soil. They are very hardy and depending on the type you choose will grow from two feet up to the giant hybrids of seven foot so staking is a necessity.
The recipe and instructions on making this pot pourri.
Enjoy your garden!
