One plant with a long and fascinating history is dianthus, sometimes called pinks. These are very old garden flowers, dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe. I like everything about this plant, but it is the incredible fragrance of the blooms that makes pinks so memorable. How such tiny flowers can produce so much sweet fragrance is nothing short of amazing.

There are a few things you should know about pinks when it comes to the conditions they favor. They can be tough to grow if you live where the winters are wet and summers hot. Highly acidic soil can also be difficult for them. They are happier in soil sweetened with a bit of lime.