How to Plan an Aromatherapy Garden
Our sense of smell can evoke wonderful feelings and trigger happy memories. We often scent our bodies and homes with fragrance, but we rarely consider using our outdoor spaces. Planning and setting up an aromatherapy garden can be easier than you think. The key is to keep it simple and design it around your garden and personal preferences. You don’t need a large estate to enjoy the benefits; even a window box can work wonders.
Things to Consider when setting up an Aromatherapy Garden
Before selecting plants consider the following;
- The size of your garden or growing area
- The type of soil you have
- Your local climate
- Your budget!
Once you’ve accessed these factors, you can start choosing plants that suit your garden. Focus on plants that:
- Thrive in your soil type
- Are suitable for your climate
- Offer scents you enjoy or compliment your desired aromatherapy experience.
When starting your aromatherapy garden, remember: less is more. Begin with a few plants and observe how they grow; you can always add more each season. This approach ensures a good mix of flowering times rather than everything blooming for only a short period.
Here’s a Selection of Plants we Love in our Aromatherapy Garden
Borage Plant
Thrives in rich but well-drained soil and likes a full sun position with beautiful blue flowers from May to September. The leaves and stems have a delicate cucumber flavour making them perfect for chopping and adding to salads.
Chamomile
Grows best in cool conditions and prefers partial shade, beautiful daisy-like flowers bloom in June and July. The flowers and leaves of chamomiles can be made into a soothing tea.
Herb of Jupiter
Perfect for a sunny rockery, this plant adapts well to most gardens. The leaves can be used to make a mild herbal infusion.
Lavender
Thrives in properly drained soil and can be grown in flower pots, enjoy the fragrance all summer and it’s also loved by bees and butterflies. At the end of the season cut the flowers and stems and leave to dry to enjoy these relaxing scents indoors.
Lemon Verbena
Loves full sun and well-drained soil doesn’t like frost or snow! Has refreshingly scented foliage, which can be used for herb tea and potpourri to scent your home.
Mint
Better grown in a pot or it will take over your garden! Smells wonderful and can be used in cooking and to make a refreshing tea.
Rosemary
Rosemary thrives in sunny, well-drained soil. It attracts bees, flavours dishes, and can be added to hair rinses to help with dryness and scalp care. Its aromatic leaves can also be used in natural cleaning sprays.
Sweet Pea
Sweet peas need sun and good soil. Regularly picking the flowers encourages continuous blooming and fills your garden with a sweet scent.
Valerian
Valerian grows well in sun or partial shade and produces fragrant flowers loved by pollinators. The leaves can be harvested to make a mild herbal tea.
Additional Herbs to Consider
Sunny Spots – Basil, Chives, Dill, Sage, and Thyme grow best in a sunny spot and well-drained soil.
Partial Shade – Cilantro, Chervil, Parsley, Tarragon and Thyme all prefer rich, moist soil and partial shade.
Shop Small, Shop Ethical
Snooty Catz is a small UK business with a big heart. Since 2016, we have helped eco-conscious shoppers discover sustainable skincare, thoughtful gifts, and home essentials. We choose products that are always fair-trade, cruelty-free, and planet-friendly.
In addition, we plant one tree for every order over £15. We also give a portion of each sale to UK habitat restoration projects.
Support small. Shop ethical. Browse our range today!
About the Author
Jill Dunn is the founder of Snooty Catz, a UK-based eco-conscious business established in 2016. Passionate about sustainable living, she shares practical tips, DIY ideas, and ethical product inspiration to help others create a healthier, greener lifestyle.
