I recently stumbled upon what might be the most delightful brain-boosting tip since the classic advice to enjoy a walnut dipped in dark chocolate daily. According to a report in New Scientist, engaging your sense of smell with various perfumes not only enhances mental performance but may also slow and even reverse some signs of cognitive decline.
The Science Behind Scent and Memory
A small trial involving adults aged 60 to 85 demonstrated remarkable results. Participants used a device that released 40 different scents during nightly sleep, leading to a more than 200 per cent improvement in verbal memory. While 200 per cent means twice as good, not 200 times better, the findings are still impressive. Although the study wasn't named and the trial size was small, it aligns with existing research linking scents like rosemary to enhanced memory.
Creating Your Own Scented Garden Experiment
Increasing the variety of perfumes in your garden and ensuring regular exposure to their aromas is an experiment with minimal downside, aside from potential allergies or bee stings. The easiest way to enjoy prolonged scent exposure is during sleep, though most plants release their strongest fragrances during the day when warmth evaporates essential oils.
Some plants, however, have evolved to perfume the air after dark. Night-blooming jasmine, or Cestrum nocturnum, is a standout with its hardy yellow flowers and powerful vanilla-almond scent that fills the garden from spring to autumn. It also repels mosquitoes while attracting moths and bats that feed on them. Known as "Lady of the Night," this plant adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Considerations for Night-Scented Plants
Growing "Lady of the Night" comes with a few caveats. It tolerates temperatures down to minus 4 degrees, so in colder climates, it's best grown in a pot on a sunny patio or brought indoors during winter. This also helps control its size and scent intensity. While it can become a weed in warmer regions, frosty winters typically prevent this. Additionally, some individuals may experience asthma, headaches, or sinus issues from the fragrance, making pot cultivation a safer option for easy removal when needed.
For a gentler evening perfume, night-scented stocks are a lovely alternative. These annuals bloom from early summer to late autumn, offering soft floral scents from late afternoon until dawn. Mandevilla vines are another excellent choice, providing vibrant blooms and a delightful fragrance both day and night, perfect for trellises or balconies in mild frost areas.
A Year-Round Scented Garden Calendar
With careful planning, you can enjoy stunning scents every month. Here's a seasonal guide to fragrant plants:
- January: Liliums, basil, ripe tomatoes, and the scent of rain on hot soil.
- February: Tuberoses, curry plant, English lavender, and gardenia.
- March: Ginger lilies, roses, early hyacinths, and heliotrope.
- April: Sweet peas and climbing Chinese star jasmine.
- May: Native frangipani, crowea, and French lavender.
- June: Daphne, scented camellias, and winter sweet.
- July: Jonquils and brown boronia.
- August: Hyacinths, rosemary, scented magnolias, and citrus blossoms.
- September: Star jasmine, lilac, and more lavender.
- October: Wisteria, sweet lily of the valley, and mint bush.
- November: Roses, port wine magnolia, and gardenia.
- December: English lavender, prickly bursaria, and lilies.
Beyond Floral Scents
Perfumes don't have to be limited to flowers. The aroma of baking choc-chip biscuits can linger for days, while scents like toothpaste or even dog food can train the brain. Take walks among lemon-scented gums or enjoy the smell of fresh-cut grass after rain. Combining brain boosters—such as walking among greenery while thinking creatively or learning a new language—can enhance cognitive resilience. In just six weeks, you might even find yourself remembering passwords with ease.
This week, I'm finally harvesting cucumbers, enjoying a moderate zucchini yield, and filling vases with belladonna lilies. I'm also celebrating the return of calendulas after wallabies feasted on them, and eagerly awaiting new dahlia blooms. While resisting bulb catalogues, I'm promising to pick basil for pesto—someday. Embracing garden scents is a simple, joyful way to potentially sharpen your mind and enrich your daily life.
