Summer scented foliage to add dimension to locally grown arrangements

A full spectrum of summer blooms are available now. Mary of our favorite summer flowers, like lisianthus, strawflower and zinnias are unscented. In summer months scented foliage adds another dimensions to flower arrangements. Here are a few of our favorite scented cuts for high summer:

Mountain Mint

The amazing fresh minty smell of this native perennial make us with it were edible or dried well (alas, neither are possible). Leaves are silvery green with small white flowers. Two varieties show much in our catalogue: broader leaved P. muticum and more petit P. pilosum. Both have fantastic vase life of 7+ days, but do not tolerate being out of water or being used with floral foam.

Basils

Most people know basil as the aromatic herb used in Italian cooking. However, there is much to love about basil as foliage in arrangements as well. Basils come in colors ranging from the well-known green to deep purples and brighter yellow-greens. Their spike-like flowers feature add extra interest, often featuring dark or light purple blooms. Our growers' favorite varieties include Mrs. Burns's Lemon which has a sweet, citrus scent, and Cinnamon Basil which has a spicy cinnamon scent.

Artimesia (Sweet Annie)

This fern-like filler is scented when fresh or dried. The stems are slightly woody, and need a water source to last around 7 days in a vase. The season for fresh cuts is short. Once the small yellow flowers start dropping pollen, it's nearly time to harvest for drying.

Eucalyptus

This favorite silvery-green foliage matures in summer, and then can be harvested until fall.