The UCSC Arboretum dedicated its completely renovated Aroma Garden on Friday, April 27. The garden, featuring plants with pleasant and interesting aromas, is designed to appeal as much to the nose as to the eyes.
"The outstanding design of the garden by Silver Tree Designs allows close interaction with the collections and every opportunity to take a pinch and sniff," said Arboretum director Daniel Harder. "When you visit, explore this garden with your nose and look beyond the flowers to locate the source of the aroma."
Visitors can rub leaves between their fingers and elicit odors ranging from perfume-inspiring flowers to mints and pungent herbs. The flowers were chosen for their pleasant aromas. What each person smells may differ, however, because of human genetic differences. For example, one of the most fragrant shrubs in the garden is the inconspicuous Boronia megastigma, which some people think smells better than candy, while others don't seem to be able to smell it at all.
At a later date, signs will be added explaining the role of fragrances in attracting pollinators and deterring herbivores. Several garden sculptures on loan from local sculptors decorate places designed into the garden. Massive, decorative pots donated by Pottery Planet contain more herbs and complement the sculptures and hardscape design. Most of the plants were donated by local nurseries and growers.
The garden renovation was made possible thanks to a challenge fund provided by Elspeth Bobbs, a longtime supporter of the Arboretum. Not coincidentally, the Aroma Garden is directly across from the Arboretum's gift shop, Norrie's, which was donated by Mrs. Bobbs in the early 1990s. Additional Aroma Garden sponsorships are still available.
The Arboretum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day free of charge. Norrie's Gifts is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (831) 427-2998 or visit the Arboretum web site.
