Scents of Summer

We can easily identify many of the obvious scents of summer: roses in bloom, a favorite herb whose scent fills the air when we brush it, sweet smell of jasmine. What of the scents of the summer solstice? As we move toward the highlight of the sun’s power, paying attention to the scents and the colors of plants that thrive at this time of year can enhance our summer solstice celebrations. The longest day of the year is an opportunity to celebrate the power of the sun and the life giving force it provides to plants and us. The Therapeutic Horticulture team at Missouri Botanical Garden has designed an activity specifically for the summer solstice, highlighting colors associated with sunshine as well as plants that thrive at this time of year. Special thanks to Maria Yamnitz for her writing and research contributions to the summer solstice program.

Sunshine Sachets

These sachets are full of sunshine – from herbs traditionally harvested on the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, when the sun is at the height of its power, to flowers and a fruit that represent our life-giving star.

• St. John’s Wort - This herb was gathered on the summer solstice by Scotts, Welsch, and Celts. The herb was thrown into solstice bonfires and placed over doorways to chase away sorrow with sunshine.

• Basil – This summer garden herb is harvested at solstice when it holds the full strength of the sun’s power.

• Chamomile – Same as above and chamomile is part of the cheery, sunny daisy family.

• Calendula – Bright yellow pot marigolds are miniature symbols of the sun , plus their dried petals make excellent flower confetti.

• Orange peel – Bright orange spheres represent the sun, and the citrus scent is reminiscent of summer. Creating the sachets will allow participants in the community to explore the summer solstice in a unique way, designed to encourage a connection to nature. Perhaps you will be inspired to gather colorful and scented flowers and herbs to decorate your space, a reminder to appreciate the value of the sun to our everyday existence.

The Therapeutic Horticulture team has created a number of experiences to explore in the Adult Education class offerings at MBG. Classes focusing on the Written Word will encourage a connection between people, words and nature.

Nature Mandala classes teach you the practice of creating mandalas with natural materials to promote relaxation and deepen your connection to the natural world. To learn more about our Adult Education classes, please visit us at https:// www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/learn-discover/classes.aspx

Therapeutic Horticulture has a place in anyone’s life and we encourage you to pursue offerings https://www. missouribotanicalgarden.org/learn-discover/adults/therapeutichorticulture.aspx