It’s striking how infrequently we link the fragrance of blossoms with trees – a thought that occurred to me this month as I emerged from a heated vehicle into the cool canopy of a serene Irish town square, only to be wrapped in the delightful, citric sweetness of a row of fully flowering, mature linden trees (Tilia x europea). It’s intriguing to note that the loose bunches of pastel yellow-green blooms of the tree, also known as the lime tree, could never be deemed noticeable. Most individuals likely wouldn’t even identify them as blooms. Yet, their remarkable and unique fragrance attracts pollinators like the most enticing trap. It’s no wonder that the renowned British naturalist writer Richard Mabey once said that lime trees in the summer are experienced by their smell and sound before they are seen.
These majestically tall trees are a source of nourishment for more than just swarms of bees and other pollinating insects. Their leaves provide sustenance to a multitude of moth species for their larvae. Tree lice also rely on the trees’ sugar-laden leaves, producing their characteristic “honeydew”, which becomes a source of food for birds, bees, hoverflies, and ladybirds. Mature trees often serve as a residence for wood-boring beetles and nesting birds.
It’s a reality that the spaciousness required to house a regular lime tree, which can eventually extend to a grand height and spread of 40m x 15m, is a luxury few Irish gardens can afford. However, smaller varieties, apt for large, protected gardens with alkaline soil, comprise the silver lime (Tilia tomentosa) and the petite leaved lime (Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’). The latter’s vertical tendency makes it an excellent candidate for cultivation in a formal avenue or driveway.
In spite of the allure of Lime trees, there is a wide variety of other trees that are desirable for gardening due to their aromatic, wildlife-attracting blooms. An example is the Magnolia, which can impress one with the strong fragrance of its sizable flowers, a delightful surprise that often catches people off-guard. Notably, we have the Magnolia ‘Heaven Scent’, which thrives in the sheltered gardens of towns with the right kind of cold, deep, acidic-rich soil. This variety, which blooms in spring with large rose-pink, cup-shaped, blooms reminiscent of vanilla-lemon, flourish before leaves appear on the tree. The Magnolia x loebneri and Magnolia stellata, which also bloom in spring, are renowned for their compelling fragrance and are recommended for smaller gardens.
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The lily tree Magnolia denudata’s broad, pale blossoms, also a spring bloomer and better suited for larger gardens, project an equally intense fragrance. The Magnolia grandiflora, otherwise known as Southern magnolia or bull bay, is a late summer bloomer that is an evergreen species suited for alkaline soils. It boasts broad, pale, goblet-shaped, and deeply aromatic flowers and can alternatively be raised as a wall shrub. The Camellia sasanqua, another evergreen species that blooms in autumn, is another fragrant member of this notable tree family that can be grown in containers. However, it will need constant watering and fertilization, and a compost refresh every three to four years.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest marvels regarding any variety of tree boasting aromatic blossoms is the sheer abundance and intensity of the scent that emanates from these blooms. Spain, in its springtime bloom, offers a great example with its orange groves – their fragrance wafts miles around, infusing buildings and streets with its intoxicatingly sweet, honey-citrus odour. While orange groves may be absent in Ireland, our apple trees fill that void, their late spring blossoms exuding a gentle, floral scent.
Likewise, experience standing under a false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) during the late spring-early summer and you’re immediately engulfed in the perfume, akin to the scent of orange blossoms, coming from its hanging clusters of pale, pea-like flowers. Alternatively take a stroll beneath a serviceberry tree (Amelanchier) in its spring bloom, you’d be enchanted, both by its fragrance and the exhibit of its pale, star-like flowers.
The aforementioned abundance of tree flowers also plays a significant role in supporting garden wildlife, with the magnitude of the display easily surpassing the potential of any blossoming perennial. For instance, the ornamental cherry tree, known as Prunus ‘Amanogowa’, not only radiates a crushed almond scent with a touch of freesia but also offers countless nectar and pollen-rich flowers, making it highly attractive to an array of pollinating insects.
Continuing on, the scented, star-like white blooms of the evergreen ribbonwood tree (Hoheria sextylosa), flowering from late summer to autumn, provide a prime scented alternative when many other woody species are dormant. The ribbonwood, which thrives in a sheltered area with ample sunlight or mild shade and neutral to alkaline, rich soil, grows to a height and width of 6m-8m, making it a suitable addition for a large courtyard or walled garden.
Among the slightly delicate varieties of blooming trees that serve as excellent focal points for enclosed and warm secluded areas is the foxglove tree, known scientifically as Paulownia tomentosa. This alien deciduous tree’s large foliage is beautifully contrasted by sizeable spikes of trumpet-like purple flowers that resemble foxgloves and bloom in April thus giving it its familiar name. These flowers boast a gentle vanilla-like scent. To keep this swiftly growing species manageable, some gardeners prune it annually since, if left unchecked, the tree could ultimately grow into a spreading canopy up to 12 metres high. This tree is not readily available in an abundance of garden centres across Ireland. Yet, it can be sourced from Rare Plants Ireland, a small and precious nursery owned by Finlay Colley, located on the fringes of Clondalkin, Co Dublin. Besides this, the nursery also retails a range of other unique and slightly hardy blooming tree types that can thrive in warm, protected Irish gardens. These comprise the aromatic pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) with edible crimson flowers, the pineapple-perfumed spring-blooming Acradenia franklinae, and the silk tree (Albizia julibrissin). The latter’s fragrant pompon blossoms exude a strong fruity aroma described as a blend of watermelon, pomegranate and lychee.
This week in the garden
Due to the absence of sustained high temperatures in the following weeks, outdoor crops in kitchen gardens and allotments are struggling to grow, bloom and bear fruit. Assisting them by covering them with a layer or two of horticultural fleece or climate net could protect them against low temperatures (refer to fruithillfarm.com and quickcrop.ie).
If you want to trim sections of an overgrown and flowering lawn in an environmentally friendly way, consider getting an Austrian scythe. Contrary to conventional strimmers, this practical tool can easily manage long, luxuriant, wet growth.
Mark your calendar
At The Grinding House in June Blake’s Garden, Tinode, Blessington, Co Wicklow, a special event will take place on the 20th of July from 5:30 in the evening until 11 at night. This event, titled Journeys & Reflections, features a captivating guided tour of the enchanting Wicklow garden, led by its owner and architect, June Blake. Following this, attendees will be regaled with lively tales provided by the storytelling community, Craicly. Additionally, a display of creative pieces by artist Ciara Gormley, entitled ‘Flowers’, will be shown throughout the evening. Bookings for this event are compulsory and the ticket price of £65 covers a delightful supper as well as refreshing beverages. For more information and booking details, visit craiclystories.com, juneblake.ie, or eventbrite.ie.