Welcomes visitors is the rose-scented geranium

welcomes visitors is the rose-scented geranium Another fragrant plant that welcomes visitors is the rose-scented geranium. It is series really Pelargonium graveolens. A single plant has grown to gigantic proportions, escaping its small bed and cascading down between two houses. Its leaves have a distinctive fragrance and are used to flavor desserts and jelly, as well as iced drinks. And, as some French friends told me, the fragrant leaves -- what they call citronelle -- help keep away mosquitoes: good reason to plant it near a seating area.

All these plants are native to the Mediterranean region, and thus thrive in the Marin County climate. Once established, they require very little summer water. Mediterranean plants are naturally dormant during the summer months, when there is little, if any, rain. They grow and flower in the winter and spring. The fragrance -- and flavor -- of their leaves becomes more intense the drier they are. During the hottest days of August this summer, I decided to take pity on my garden plants and water them. Immediately, they all responded with new leaves and the lavenders sent out new buds. I'm not sure I did the plants any favor, however. There is good reason for their growth cycle; plants need some time to rest.

In a Mediterranean climate, the Mediterranean natives described above will require only a minimum of water during summer months, making them a perfect addition to a Marin garden, and a welcoming, aromatic series addition to your entryway.