It Began with an Essential Oil and the Study of Herbs

My first knowledge of scented pelargoniums was over 30 years ago when I attended a craft fair in Santa Cruz, California, and purchased the essential oil Rose Geranium (pelargonium) from Bonny Dune Farms.

Years later, I took an herb class from Jeanne Rose in San Fransico, and the section on growing scented geraniums (Pelargoniums) intrigued me, so I started growing a few plants outside in pots. Every time I walked by them, rubbed their leaves, and smelled the aroma, it brought happiness to the senses.

One day my grandmother mentioned that her mother would line a cake pan with the scented leaves, pour batter over them, and bake. I tried this with “rose geranium” leaves, and the cake had a pleasant floral taste.

Learn with me about the different scented pelargoniums, what conditions they grow in, and how they can be utilized, along with the history and the people before me who have indispensable knowledge. Subscribe to Pelargonium Happenings and follow me on Instagram.