Nigel Slater's reasoning behind choosing aromatic plants as his main focus in his garden's creation

In the heart of London, gardens offer a delightful olfactory experience that transcends the ordinary. From the delicate aroma of wallflowers and sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana) to the intoxicating scent of a single large lily regale, these gardens are a veritable symphony of scents.

The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Cedric Morris'), which graced the Garden Museum last summer, was another star performer, emitting a strong scent before it was even spotted. Similarly, the rose 'Souvenir du Docteur Jamain' with its red, velvet blooms, while difficult to reach for a close sniff, fills the air with its allure.

Jasmines (Jasminum officinale and J. x stephanense) are late bloomers, their scent wafting up from the kitchen wall, adding a touch of mystery to the garden's charm. The peach-scented rose 'Souvenir de Madame Léonie Viennot' climbs the rear wall of a house, its fragrance a constant reminder of the beauty that lies hidden.

The term 'old rose fragrance' encompasses both ancient varieties and modern roses crossed with older ones. The long-established rose Lady Emma Hamilton (= 'Ausbrother') has an unmistakable note of warm apricots, while the pair of roses Rosa Gertrude Jekyll (= 'Ausbord') outside the kitchen door have a fragrance reminiscent of pulled roses.

Some plants, such as roses and honeysuckle, are obvious givers of perfume. But even the tiny old-fashioned pinks Dianthus 'Brympton Red' and D. 'Dad's Favourite' emanate a pleasant scent. Wallflowers, with their scent reminiscent of Parma Violets, are an essential part of the garden, adding a touch of nostalgia to the mix.

The scent of dahlia stalks also reminds some of the first day of autumn term at school, adding a sense of familiarity to the garden's ever-changing scents. Viburnum x bodnantense, known as 'Dawn', emits a soft, clove scent in March, providing a welcome respite from the winter chill.

Nigel Slater, in his discussions on gardens on the Talking Gardens podcast, often speaks of the sensory delights of gardens, emphasising their importance in our daily lives. However, even he has yet to find a rose whose scent he didn't like, a testament to the enduring charm of these fragrant blooms.

Despite the transient nature of some plants, gardens in London are at their most sensuous and olfactory best in June, a month when the city's gardens come alive with a symphony of scents, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.