The Aromatherapist's Garden

By Maxine Barclay, CAHP®

Have you ever planned a garden based on the aroma of the plants when combined? As aromatherapists, we know how our olfactory system can stimulate our limbic system, and how aromas can bring up past emotions and behaviours. From walking by and brushing against the plants to just sitting in your yard, these aromas can evoke positive energy and calming stress relief with a whiff of their aromatic scent.

Another benefit of an aromatherapy garden is harvesting flowers and leaves to make essences, teas, hydrosols, essential oils and infusions. There is nothing better than snipping a sprig of spearmint to add to your ice water for a refreshing summer drink or making tea from homegrown chamomile. Sit in your garden watching the bees and butterflies visiting to gather nectar from your blooming plants—a summer refuge for you to unwind and enjoy.

Although you may have planted your garden a few months ago, now is a great time to fill in some gaps with discounted plants from the garden centre. Look for plants that still have a bit of life to them that will flourish with your care. You might find some great deals on perennials that will provide beautiful colour and aroma in the years to come.

Here are some excellent resources you can browse through when planning out your aromatherapy garden, followed by some of the plants I enjoy in my garden.

 

Websites:

Richters Herbs - Medicinal, Culinary, Aromatic - Plants & Seeds

OSC Seeds | Ontario Seed Company Ltd. | Over 125 Years

Books:

The Aromatherapy Garden: Growing Fragrant Plant for Happiness and Wellbeing by Kathi Keville

The Essential Aromatherapy Garden: Growing and Using Scented Plants and Herbs by Julia Lawless

Webinars:

 

My favourite aromatic plants:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)	Plant zone 5+ Well drained soil Full sun Perennial	Reduces stress Relaxing Uplifting
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)	Plant zone 4-9 Well-drained soil Full sun/partial shade Very aggressive grower Best in a container Perennial	Sharpens awareness Invigorating
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum carina)	Plant zone 3-4 Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil Full sun/partial shade	Relaxing earthy fragrance Happy colours for fall
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)	Plant zone 4-9 Sandy, well-drained soil Full sun	Uplifting Great to plant in pathway cracks
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)	Plant zone 8-10 Well-drained, loamy, acidic soil Full sun	Improves memory Uplifting
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)	Plant zone 5-9 Slightly sandy, well-drained soil Full sun/ partial shade	Anxiety reducer Stress calmer
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum)	Plant zone 10 Moist, sandy loam, well-drained soil Full sun Chamomile	Calming Relaxing Uplifting
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)	Plant zones all Well-drained soil Full sun	Calming Relaxing Uplifting

 

 

About the author: With a family heritage that includes a Pendle Hill witch and a love of gardening, learning and researching, it’s no surprise that Maxine Barclay developed a passion for aromatherapy and herbalism. Maxine studied aromatherapy and gained her Certified Clinical Aromatherapist title through Joyessence. She has also studied under some of the most respected herbalists including Rosemary Gladstar, Micheal Woods, Rosalee de la Forêt and Sajah Popham. She is currently enrolled in Wild Rose College’s herbalism program. She believes everyone is unique and guides her clients to herbs and essential oils that are unique to them. You can follow Maxine on Facebook and Instagram @aromacomforts4u or e-mail her at Aromacomforts4u@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Danielle Sade, CAHP®