Sorry Citronella Candles, but These Garden Scents Are Much More Enjoyable

A large outdoor space with a pool, a garden, and outdoor parasols — These al fresco fragrances aren't quite as pungent, but they get the job done.

(Image credit: Tom Blachford. Design: NTF Architecture. Landscaping: Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture)

For years, outdoor scentscapes have been led by the strong, zesty fragrance of citronella. Grown and infused into garden candles as nature's insect repellent, this potent smell deters pests from lurking while you relax outside.

The only issue? It's not the most welcoming of scents. In fact, it's rather overwhelming and can cheapen the ambiance at times. So if you're looking for things to make a garden smell expensive, here are some alternative notes to elevate your space.

From Mediterranean aromas to herbal accords and citrus floral blends, these fragrances will ward insects off while pleasantly perfuming your garden.

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1. Mediterranean Aromas

An outdoor garden with olive trees, stone steps, and an outdoor dining room — This gorgeous blend of lavender, thyme, and rosemary is a spring dream.

One of the most impressive aspects of Mediterranean gardens is the evocative scents that stream through them. Master perfumer Zerlina Dubois tells me that this combination of lavender, rosemary, and thyme is a lovely alternative to citronella.

"The linalool in lavender keeps the bugs at bay, the woody aromatic notes of rosemary deter insects, and the thyme has strong insect-repelling properties," she notes. "The combination is a nice blend that gives you an escape to the Mediterranean landscape."

I recommend introducing a mix of this Lavandula Angustifolia 'Hidcote' from Crocus, this Thyme, and this Rosemary Shrub from Thompson & Morgan. In the meantime, when you're hosting, you can light this Large Lavender Incense from Amazon.

A woman with short black hair in brown rimmed glasses and a lace and knit sweater with strands of pearls

Zerlina Dubois

Zerlina is a master perfumer at Osmo and fragrance innovator with over 36 years of experience. Prior to Osmo, she worked at Procter & Gamble where she created 100+ global fragrances and led the company's Global Fragrance & Flavor Trends Intelligence Program. A Victor Mills Society honoree and founder of P&Gs Perfumer Training Program, she blends art, science and innovation to craft iconic scents and mentor the next generation of olfactory talent. She's best known for her work at Pampers, Downy, Febreze, Pantene, Herbal Essences, Olay, Old Spice, Secret, Gillette, and First Aid Beauty.

2. Herbal Accords

A terrace garden with a round firepit, a set of garden chairs, and plants — You can never go wrong with a garden lush with the scent of green herbaceous notes.

According to Zerlina, an herbal kitchen garden is another soothing alternative to citronella. "Think peppermint, basil, and marigold for a fun, bright, and vibrant outdoor scentscape," she notes.

"Peppermint is great for outdoor scenting and repels bugs with its menthol and eucalyptol notes. It overwhelms and 'blinds' the mosquitoes with its freshness. The basil deters pests, and marigolds contain sulfur chemicals that scare off bugs."

Consider planting this delicious Chocolate Peppermint from Crocus, this Basil 'Lemon' from Sarah Raven, and this Calendula Officinalis 'Candyman Orange' from Thompson & Morgan. For a similar effect, you can light this elegant Verveine Outdoor Candle from Loewe.

3. Citrus Floral Blends

A garden with a frangipani tree, a blue pool, a striped sun bed and an outdoor living room — This balance of citrus and floral fragrance will protect your garden from pests and make your outdoor living room smell like spring.

Lastly, if you're keen on citronella alternatives that still deliver a burst of freshness in a balanced way, Zerlina recommends planting citrus floral blends. "Certain types of geranium are great options in place of citronella," she advises.

"They lend a clean and slightly powdery smell. And if you combine them with some lemon balm, it's the perfect blend for an outdoor living room. Plus, the lemon balm features an air of citrus that contains chemicals similar to citronella."

This Geranium Graveolens 'Mosquito Fighter' from Thompson & Morgan is a type of scented pelargonium that will ensure your garden is free from pesky insects. And I also recommend this Lemon Balm from Crocus. This Minted Fig Outdoor Candle from H&M is another low-maintenance way to bring a fresh fragrance.

Ferm Living

Fragma Planter Box - Cashmere

This Fragma Planter Box from Ferm Living is a cool way to add interest to your modern garden.

H&M

Metal Plant Pot

I'm obsessed with this gorgeous dark brown shade in H&M's collection of Metal Plant Pots.

DBKD

Outdoor Terracotta Flower Pot Terra

If decorating with terracotta pots is your theme of choice, this aged style from DBKD is ideal for herbs.

FAQs

How Do Japanese Gardens Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Japanese gardens take on a slightly different approach to keeping insects away, in the form of mosquito coils. Katori senkou, also known as mosquito-removing incense, is a common addition to most outdoor spaces.

These Mosquito Spirals from Amazon are made from pyrethrum powder and chrysanthemum extract, as an alternative to typical citronella coils.

There are plenty of other pest control plants to introduce to your backyard for undisturbed hosting this season. But in the meantime, if you're looking to avoid overpowering notes like citronella, here are some plants that overpower your garden with scent.

To keep up with all the latest tips for al fresco hosting and the best fragrances, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Amiya is a Home Wellness Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.