Gardeners are busy tending to their flowers and plants over the summer months, but they may not be planting anything new right now. However, now might be an ideal time to introduce something new to your garden, says one expert. Gardening Expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions, Luke Dejahang, has explained that July presents an opportunity for great inspiration when it comes to your garden. He has listed five plants that you should introduce this week. 

"July is a peak time for garden inspiration," he said. "With the RHS Hampton Court Festival in full swing, it’s the perfect moment to grow your own aromatherapy garden. These plants are not only fragrant and beautiful but also powerful tools for stress relief, mindfulness, and pollinator support." He says that these aromatic plants have multiple benefits and will not only make your garden look lovely, but they will also make it smell amazing. 

The first plant he recommends that UK gardeners plant this week is lavender. He describes this sweet-smelling, brightly coloured plant as one that thrives in the sunshine and is particularly adaptable to conditions in the south of the UK, which tend to be warmer and sunnier than other parts of the country. 

"Known for its calming properties and vibrant purple bloom, with its scent being shown to reduce anxiety, ease stress, and promote restful sleep," the experts have shared. "It thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens."

Meanwhile, rosemary has similar benefits. It is thought to be linked to better memory retention, increased alertness, and reduced symptoms of insomnia. It also thrives in sunny, sheltered spots. 

Lemon balm is another great one to plant now, he says. It is said to reduce tension and stress, and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Thyme is his fourth recommendation as it is well-suited to sunny and dry conditions. 

His final suggestion is jasmine, because it has a sweet and floral fragrance that is said to have many benefits for those who are around it. It is said to calm you down and boost your mood, and it may also improve sleep quality. 

Jasmine grows well in a sheltered and sunny spot in your garden. It needs fertile, well-drained soil and may require winter protection in the colder regions of the country.