Scented Garden - function of smell
The Scented Garden was designed in 1960 to perfume the air and stimulate our sense of smell. To help collect and intensify the scents, the site was scooped out to create a protected well.
Plants produce scents to attract pollinators as well as to defend against herbivores. No two plants produce the same scent, and pollinating insects use the chemical cues from the flowers to help them decide which plant to land on. Provide sweet smelling day flowering plants for bees and butterflies and night scented plants such as jasmine to attract moths.
Plants have evolved chemical defences against herbivores and release scents when attacked to warn their neighbours to fortify their defences, or to attract in a predator to dispatch the pesky pest. It is because of this chemical arsenal that some herbivores, like the caterpillars of certain butterfly species, have become so specialised that they only feed on a few food plants. If we want to support wildlife we need to provide food for all life stages.