Aromatic sanctuary

‘Welcome to our living aromatherapy space,” said Dave Hanson on my visit last week to Sage Garden Greenhouses.

Every customer who walks through the door of the greenhouses located at 3410 St. Mary’s Rd. is greeted by the different aromas of various exotic plants. “I just see every single day how people respond with joy, sometimes nostalgia, sometimes, with a sort of transporting feeling that takes them back to another place in time or reminds them of someone,” said Hanson.

“Many plants, herbs and flowers have this incredible sensory impact in terms of the aroma. Rosemary, for example, is very much associated with memory. It’s supposed to bring you calming energy and a greater capacity to learn. Giving the leaves a little scratch and sniff makes you feel energized — not hyper, as though you had too much coffee, but grounded and calmer. It’s very powerful and gentle at the same time.”

Brushing or crushing the fragrant leaves of an herb infuses the air with a specific essence depending on its place of origin. “I’ve been on a bit of a mission, you could say, to collect different cultivars of plants that are regional from around the world. Sometimes it’s a certain kind of rosemary that grows in a region of Italy or a type of jasmine from a region of India or a thyme that has much more aromatic quality than a standard variety. They’re not all the same — it has to do with the aromatic oils,” said Hanson.

Golden Rain rosemary has an exceptional fragrance that is pungent and woodsy with citrus and mint undertones. “Rosemary is one of those plants that contains a high amount of aromatic essential oils,” said Hanson. “You can rub it behind your ears for a day-long aromatherapy effect.”

Hanson observes the individual reactions of his customers to familiar or intoxicating aromas. “It’s a very personal thing,” he says. “I’ve been really trying to encourage people to go ahead and touch the plants and interact because it is pretty cool how strongly this affects them.”

There are many practical benefits to creating your own indoor aromatherapy garden. In addition to a sensory experience, fresh herbs enhance the flavour and aroma of favourite recipes, especially during the holiday season.

“Think outside the normal summer box for herbs,” said Hanson, “because there are so many plants with qualities that make them good houseplants.”

The aromatic leaves of lemongrass and galangal can be used to infuse hot teas, ciders or mocktails. “Galangal ginger is one of my all-time favourites,” said Hanson. “When you break open the highly fragrant leaves, they have a lemony-ginger aroma.”

Mints, too, can be used in so many different ways, said Hanson. There are thousands of different varieties with a range of aromas and flavours. Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens Variegata), for example, is a culinary herb with small, variegated leaves that have a delicate, fruity fragrance. Use the leaves as a garnish or to flavour tea or salads.

“What’s important to remember when growing mint indoors is that it needs to be cut back regularly,” said Hanson. “Unlike upright, Mediterranean-type plants that are non-hardy, almost all mints are cold-hardy. That means they are accustomed to having a rest period in the winter. The way to stimulate their growth is to cut them right down and then they produce lush growth.”

Hanson also recommends variegated broadleaf thyme which has larger, coleus-like green-and-white succulent leaves. Interestingly, it is not actually a thyme in the botanical sense but makes an exceptional indoor plant. Used in marinades and soups, its flavour is somewhere between oregano and thyme with a peppery finish.

But again, for fragrance, a favourite of Hanson’s is scented geranium (Pelargonium Attar of Roses). “It is such a great plant, and the aroma is to die for. A traditional way of using scented geranium in Victorian times was to add the leaves to a beautiful finger bowl,” said Hanson. This would look beautiful on your holiday table. According to Hanson, scented geraniums are also excellent in simple-syrup recipes.

“The first time you smell the incredible fragrance of Jasmine Grand Duke of Tuscany, you fall in love. It’s the most famous of all jasmine varieties,” said Hanson. It’s also the slowest-growing of all jasmines, so you need to be patient.

The very act of having to care for a plant is mentally stimulating. Nurturing your plants so they thrive provides a sense of accomplishment. “There are holistic benefits that go beyond aroma, nostalgia or culinary uses,” said Hanson.

Success starts by choosing plants that will be happy growing indoors. “When it comes to the Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage or lavender, the zone rating matters,” said Hanson. “The higher the herb is on the scale from zone 1 to 11, the better it will be suited as an evergreen indoor plant. On the other hand, common thyme, which is hardy to Zone 3, wants to be outside in the winter.”

Placement of plants indoors is important, as well. Keep plants away from cold drafts and heating vents. “Mediterranean plants are seaside plants and like humidity in the winter but they also like to be cool, if possible,” said Hanson.

Dry indoor air during the winter months can be alleviated by using a pebble tray, said Hanson. “Set your pots on pebbles or rocks. As water passes through the drainage holes, it evaporates into the air and increases the humidity around the plant.”

A pebble tray can be functional and beautiful at the same time. Hanson stocks a large selection of mineral stones such as amethyst. “It’s an attractive way to present your plants,” he said.

Most herbs prefer a sunny location. “An easy all-in-one solution is the Grow Light Garden, which is also self-watering. Grow lights allow plants to actually flourish in the winter,” said Hanson.

Hanson does not subscribe to the adage that plants should not be fertilized during the cold season. “One of the biggest myths in gardening is, ‘don’t fertilize in winter.’ You definitely want to fertilize herbs especially if you are planning to use them,” he said. “Fertilizing, even at half-strength, improves their productivity and vigour.” Hanson recommends a compost-based fertilizer such as Evolve Dirt n’ Grow which is manufactured here in Manitoba.

On Dec. 3, Sage Garden will be launching a brand-new peat-free potting mix in partnership with Typha Co., a local business. But whatever type of potting soil you choose to use, Hanson said what’s most important when growing culinary and aromatic plants is ensuring excellent drainage and the use of a compost-based fertilizer.

Hanson invites you to discover the treasure trove of aromatic plants at Sage Garden Greenhouses. Don’t be afraid to scratch and sniff or crush leaves and inhale the wonderful aromas. Hanson also offers tours of the greenhouses to larger groups.

colleenizacharias@gmail.com