Continued from page 1
Plants do not come true to seed, in other words, when germinating from seed you'll likely end up with a mixed pink/purple combination. Be sure to pinch stem tips to encourage branching, and mulch to keep roots cool. Summer phlox can be susceptible to mildew at
end of bloom season, so check for
mildew-resistant varieties that are available.
2.Common Heliotrope (Heliotrope arborenscens) This plant, while not specifically an evening scented variety, has a permeating yet very delicate, honey-like fragrance that's often compared to
scent of baby power. White, violet, dark purple or blue flowers grow curved in spikes forming 3 - 4" clusters.
Heliotrope grows wonderfully in containers and can overwinter if moved to a frost-free spot. Plant prefers regular water and full sun in cooler climates, but requires partial shade in warmer areas. Grows 1.5 - 2' high, 1 - 1.5' wide.
3.Evening Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetula bicornis) This plant grows in erect, neat clumps to approximately one foot high and 9" wide, bearing lance shaped leaves about 3.5" long and lots of small, purplish flowers up to 1" across, powerfully scented with a spicy-sweet perfume. Pick off dead flowers to increase blooms.
Prefers well drained, moist soil and requires at least half
day in sun to thrive. In hot summers and mild winters Evening Scented Stock can be grown as a winter annual.
4.Tobacco Plant (Nicotiana noctiflora) Though all nicotiana blooms carry a mild scent, this variety is particularly fragrant in
evening, featuring tubular 5-lobed white flowers shaded with purple on
outside, up to 2 " wide and 3-4" long. Plants grow 1 to 2' high.
Prefers a light, rich soil soil kept moist and well-drained. Pinch off dead blooms to encourage regrowth (note that this plant is fuzzy and somewhat clammy when handled, and it self-seeds prolifically when planted in
garden.)
I invite you to let yourself dream. Gather your ideas, plan away, and enjoy both
growing season and
eventual fruits of your labor. An evening scented garden is truly a little piece of heaven on earth!

Carolyn Beale is a joyful, devoted mom of 2 who works from home running a successful online business featuring environmentally friendly, ethically marketed products. For further information, visit www.SerendipitysGarden.com or contact her at carolynshomebiz@shaw.ca!