Abstract
<jats:p>Floral scents in angiosperms play a vital role not just as biochemical signals for plant survival, but they have also become a key element in landscape architecture design. This chapter explores floral scent from the molecular level all the way up to the landscape scale, highlighting the main types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their biosynthetic, developmental, and tissue-specific origins. It also delves into analytical methods like headspace techniques, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and GC–olfactometry (GC–O), showing how scent-related data can be transformed into valuable insights for design. A framework for scent-based landscape design is introduced, featuring seasonal and daily ‘scent calendars’, scent dispersion distances, and intensity gradients. Real-world examples – like night gardens, semi-arid scent gardens, early spring pathways, and transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces – demonstrate how floral scents can influence movement patterns, encourage pauses, and foster a sense of place while also supporting ecological functions. The chapter also addresses health, safety, and ethical considerations, such as individual sensitivities, VOC levels, sustainable plant sourcing, and responsible communication, which are essential for inclusive practices. Ultimately, the chapter underscores that floral scent is becoming a crucial factor in modern landscape architecture, and scent-based design strategies are poised to grow significantly in the years ahead.</jats:p>