Introduced to America by the Colonists, catnip has a long history in herbal apothocaries.  Among a myriad of uses catnip tea is relaxing and soothing, especially effective in children.  Most cats, on the other hand, are aroused by its signature potent minty scent that mimics cat pheromones, rubbing and rolling on the plant and eating it in apparent abandon.  After 30 minutes or so they become temporaryily immune to its effects, a good thing as some cats can demolish the plants.  Kittens, however, dislike catnip.  Easy to grow, it can be pinched to cultivate a bushy form full of leaves, not flowers, preventing it from reseeding excessively.  Attracts the beneficial insect soldier beetles. 

A sparkling white selection for the evening garden, or wherever the purity of white blossoms and light green leaves is appreciated.  The trumpet-shaped flowers are lightly citrus scented, and bloom in clusters all summer. 

Jefferson received this seed from its native southwest and grew it at Monticello—perhaps he was as captivated by it as we are.  Outrageous curvy pink stamens dotted at the tips with orange pollen reach out a good 2" from the magenta throated white trumpets.  A sweet orange blossom scent draws nighttime visitors, human and invertebrate alike!  Grow in moonlit gardens or in pots placed on the patio.  Stake in more fertile soils to underpin its relaxed bushy growth.  Tuberous roots. 

Described in a seed catalog of 1889 as "leaves light green, marbled, very ornamental."  Slightly later to bloom than other selections, the chartreuse foliage taking center stage until the neon pink flowers appear.  Sweet, orange-blossom scent. 

A delicious, sweet, orange-blossom scent is cast on the air every afternoon as these rare, striped, trumpet-shaped flowers open.  This rare selection features the striped flowers that so enraptured past generations of gardeners.  The scented flowers attract hummingbirds by day and moths by night. 

A wonderfully fragrant hardy woodbine that is NOT invasive and nurtures hummingbirds with the long upward-curving nectar rich blossoms, and birds with the crimson berries in fall.  A disease-free reliable and free-bloomer with masses of cherry red buds that open creamy white and age to butter yellow.  Blooms generously in midsummer and with moderate deadheading, into fall.  Makes an excellent screen or groundcover and looks great spilling over a wall or fence but also can stay relatively compact with some pruning after flowering. 

A deliciously scented jasmine, the delicate fragrance intensifying in a warm, sheltered position in sun to partial shade.  Hummingbirds visit the shell-pink flowers as soon as they open from furled rose pink buds.  A great low maintenance twining vine that blooms early summer and grows easily in a large pot.  Pair with honeysuckle 'Serotina' on an arbor for continuous bloom.  In northern areas bring indoors in winter into a cool sunny room or enclosed porch- for this award winner is one to keep! 

A cloud of dense green leaves dusted with powdered sugar, or so it seems, for this spearmint scented mint family member has a multitude of silvery-white bracts surrounding the tiny clustered pink flowers.  Easily grown in rich, regular to moist, well-drained soils; it spreads to make pleasing clumps, but is not invasive. 

From the Greek "traopaeum," a pillar erected on the battlefield to display the armor of vanquished foes, for Linnaeus thought the leaves resembled a shield, and the flowers spear-pierced, blood-stained helmets (Proctor).  It was grown for its edible qualities; the seeds were pickled for a caper substitute or ground for mustard, and the leaves and flowers lent a peppery taste to salads.  The fragrant flowers are found in vivid shades of yellow and red, as well as softer hues, and many are mottled with color.  Tie to a fence for a bright display or allow to trail to 6' in length. 

Nasturtiums were mostly thought of as a vegetable in the 17th and 18th centuries; today, they are more often a flower of the annual garden, admired for their pretty, long-lasting blooms.  This gem has crinkled petals of soft yellow with a downward curving spurs on the backs. 

At last, a nasturtium with the sweet fresh scent we remember loving long ago, found again in this bright scarlet selection.  The medium “lily-pad” leaves never hide the flowers.  Easy to grow and great as edging for paths or spilling from large containers, nasturtium loves the cooler weather of early summer and fall.  Listed in an 1897 catalog. 

All but lost, this old-fashioned variety has now reclaimed its rightful spot as a favorite cottage garden flower.  Petunia varieties come and go with alarming frequency, the fact that this was saved attests to its winning ways.  A velvety robe of purple forms its simple flat trumpets of bloom, the tall stems are a refreshing change from modern prostrate varieties, and the fragrance after hours is generously sweet, but never cloying. 

Abandoned by commercial seed growers, this heirloom variety was passed on to us by Virginia Davidson, who recounts that her grandmother grew these around her porch.  They are wonderfully fragrant in the evening, an attribute missing from many modern hybrids.  Pastel lavenders, white and purple flowers blooms all summer and fall.  Self sows. 

Abandoned by commercial seed growers, this heirloom variety was passed on to us by Virginia Davidson, who recounts that her grandmother grew these around her porch.  They are wonderfully fragrant in the evening, an attribute missing from many modern hybrids.  Pastel lavenders, white and purple flowers blooms all summer and fall.  Self sows. 

Abandoned by commercial seed growers, this heirloom variety was passed on to us by Virginia Davidson, who recounts that her grandmother grew these around her porch.  They are wonderfully fragrant in the evening, an attribute missing from many modern hybrids.  Pastel lavenders, white and purple flowers blooms all summer and fall.  Self sows. 

In the race to breed the best petunia, this gem was cast aside by the 'big guys'.  We are happy to champion this heirloom petunia.  Charming small flowers in shades of lavender, pink and purple.  Sweetly scented, especially at dusk, these flowers are to be enjoyed on summer evenings.  If deadheaded, they continue to bloom until the late fall freeze.  Listed in catalogs in the 1920s and 1930s.  Self sows. 

This denizen of age-old cottage gardens is sought after today as a welcome vertical statement.  Sturdy multi-branched spikes of pink flowers are encased in showy, long-lasting violet bracts.  a sinus-clearing scent of grapefruit and pine rises from the bruised leaves and flowers of clary.  Part of the herbal apothecary of the past,traditionally used as an eyewash, or "clear eye", it also was employed in cosmetics, and as a flavoring in Muscatel-type wines.  Large leaves are deeply textured.  Listed in an 1827 catalog.  Self sows. 

Double sweet alyssums once were common on the florist's bench, and dwarf strains are the rule today, but I can't imagine a flower more charming than this; its graceful waves of honey-scented blooms are perfect for softening garden edges.  Attracts beneficial insect hoverflies and others; an important insectary plant.