Using Scented Geraniums in Your Home

Scented geraniums are a special plant that have several key uses in a home environment. This article discusses some of the possible uses.

1. Use scented geraniums to scent your gardens. Scented geraniums are pretty hardy and enjoy environments from sea to very dry. They aren't able to survive deep cold and snow but can be brought inside during such a season. Scented geraniums grow well in garden beds, along rocky walls and in pots. Even a small garden can accommodate scented geraniums.
2. Select a type that suits you. There is a very wide range of scents in the scented geranium group of plants. Common scents include lemon, rose, orange, nutmeg and peppermint. Ask your local nursery expert for advice on choice.
3. Use scented geraniums in cooking. Scented geraniums can be used to flavour syrups, rice dishes, cakes and more. Avoid using the lemon scented variety (Pelargonium crispum) for this purpose as it can irritate the stomach but the other scents are fine. Try lining the base of a cake tin with freshly picked scented geranium leaves (clean them!) prior to adding the cake batter. Remove the leaves once the cake has been cooked and serve a scented cake. The leaves are also suitable to flavour risotto, baked custard, crème anglaise, ice cream, vinegar, poached fruits and syrups.
4. Use the leaves in potpourri. Dried scented geranium leaves are an excellent addition to potpourri mixes. They will carry the scent of the relevant leaves through the potpourri.
5. Use scented geraniums to cover up unsavoury odours. If there is a part of your garden that emits unwanted odours, such as a septic tank or a mouldy external wall, scented geraniums can be used to help cover up the bad odour.
6. Rub scented geraniums between your hands. This will scent your hands and freshen them quickly. Be sure that you don't have skin sensitivities to plants or you might get a rash.