Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima
(lob-yoo-LAR-ee-uh) (muh-RIT-tim-muh)

What can you say about a plant that smells wonderful, grows well, and gives free plants? Sweet Alyssum does all those things and more. This is a plant that I prefer to grow from seed rather than planting it from the nursery. Sowing the seeds along the edge or in the joints gives a nice appearance to garden walks and patios. If the conditions are right, you can end up with a carpet of color. The purple strains have not done well for me, but they are pretty. My main problem with growing Alyssum is not getting it out early enough in the spring, as it likes cool weather. If I remember, I shear off about half the height during the summer and get a nice wave of blooms for fall.