Award-Winning Aromatic Plants for Sensory Gardens

For the 2006 "Garden Heaven" bronze medal-winning Malaysian-themed garden "Neo Nusantara," the author selected plants targeting all five senses. Two standout aromatic performers:

1. May Night Sage (Salvia × sylvestris 'Mainacht')

• Origin: Western Asia, Europe
• Form: Hardy perennial, 2 ft (60 cm) height/spread, moderate growth
• Flowers: Indigo-blue spikes June-July; prolonged by deadheading
• Foliage: Wrinkled, aromatic grey-green
• Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees (added visual element)
• Placement: Front/middle of well-drained border; sun or dappled shade
• Color impact: Blue flowers boost green-leaved plantings

2. English Lavender 'Hidcote' (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote')

• Origin: Europe, Asia
• Form: Small evergreen shrub/herb, 2 ft (0.6 m) height/spread
• Flowers: Deep purple spikes on long stalks above narrow grey-green leaves; weeks on plant, 10 days cut
• Maintenance: Cut flower stalks post-bloom for compact shape; avoid old wood (causes dieback)
• Uses: Oil for soaps, candles, perfumes, potpourri
• Conditions: Free-draining/sandy soil; full sun; drought-resistant; ideal container plant
• Placement: Edging walkways; butterfly attractor
• Alternative: 'Munstead' equally effective for butterflies

Sensory Garden Design Principle

Combine structural elements (wood, stone, water) for sight/touch/sound with targeted plantings for smell/taste. These two perennials deliver reliable, multi-season aromatic impact with bonus wildlife attraction—proving that fragrance and ecology align beautifully.