These perennials belong in your garden. Cute-as-a-button looks, a spicy scent, and great foliage make pinks excellent choices for the front of almost any flowerbed year-round. They also work very well as ground covers or planted alongside rocks on a slope. Though long considered to be cottage flowers, they’re versatile enough to be appropriate for numerous garden styles.

These types of dianthus produce clumping, matlike foliage in shades of gray-blue or deep gray-green. Pretty even when not in bloom, they possess a spreading habit that drives them to creep into walkways, spill over walls, and soften the edges of flowerbeds. If they get out of bounds, you can simply cut them back with garden shears. The flowers appear in midspring, bouncing on top of thin stems and dancing gracefully over the foliage. Depending on the selection, blooms range from the size of a quarter (’Bath’s Pink’) down to a quarter inch (’Tiny Rubies’). Their spicy fragrance, which is like sweet cloves, fills the air when the sun warms the garden.

The Dirt on Growing Them

Well-drained soil is the most important requirement. In areas of the South with heavy clay, amend the soil with organic compost or soil conditioner prior to planting. Excessive moisture is the root of all problems with this dianthus. If you have inground irrigation, plant pinks away from sprinkler heads.
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Place them where they’ll receive at least four hours of direct sunlight each day and are protected from hot afternoon sun. If you’re putting these plants in a border with taller plants, be sure they don’t become shaded as the garden matures.

Feed them once in the spring with a timed-release, granular fertilizer (such as 14-14-14) and again in midsummer. As each flower fades, snip it off at the stem’s base, keeping foliage free of spent blooms. Many times, additional flowers appear during the summer, especially with selections such as ‘Siskin Clock’ and ‘Firewitch,’ and you may get a flush of blooms with autumn’s cooler temperatures.

Flower Tip

Pinks may need replacing every three to four years. This is especially true in warmer climates such as the Coastal South.

Try These Pinks

‘Neon Star’-It’s a tough plant that doesn’t seem to mind heat and humidity. Neon pink flowers are 1 inch wide and sit atop a tight mound of gray-green foliage. You’ll have color for more than a month.

‘Siskin Clock’-This showy fellow offers gray-green, compact foliage topped by white-and-red flowers that are edged in crimson. It’s heat tolerant and will repeat-bloom.

‘Mountain Mist’-A larger selection, it has silvery blue foliage that grows 1 foot high and wide. The pink flowers have a light scent. This selection requires a cold winter, making it good for the Upper South.

‘Pixie’-This long-flowering dianthus is very hardy and fragrant to boot. It offers pink blooms with splashes of rose. Use this rapid spreader as a ground cover or to border walks.

‘Firewitch’-Blue-green leaves are distinctive in color, and the mat may become 3 feet wide. A prolific bloomer, it dons magenta flowers in spring and fall. This heat-tolerant dianthus is a great option for the Lower South.

‘Bath’s Pink*-The mat of gray-green foliage grows about 4 inches high and 12 inches wide. Soft pink petals with fringed edges surround the flower!s red eye. This plant does well in the Lower South.

On a fresh May morning sixteen years ago, I was walking with ten of my students along a beach in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park, when we came across the tracks of a sea turtle, leading out of the water and into the thick jungle beyond. A female turtle, we assumed, had come ashore to lay her eggs the night before. But no tracks led back to the water; instead, a set of jaguar paw prints crisscrossed the turtle’s flippered swipes in the sand. Sure enough, we found the turtle in the woods, partly eaten. It was a seventy-five-pound olive ridley, which the jaguar had dragged about 300 feet into the forest. After taking a few pictures to document our find, we returned to the beach. Minutes later we spotted two animals about a mile away, loping in our direction. We promptly hid behind a fallen tree. All eleven of us watched in awe as a female jaguar and her cub approached, then passed within twenty feet of us.That lucky sighting was my first encounter with a jaguar in the wild. I wasn’t looking to spot one, let alone study the big cats. In fact, few people were studying them in the early 1990s, because they are so hard to find and follow. Jaguar field biologists often go several months without catching a glimpse of one. Yet no radio collars, no traps, no rigged cameras had been necessary for my first sighting, which profoundly marked me, both as a professional biologist and as a human being. I wanted to know more about their ecology, to study the factors that have made them endangered, and to track them in their natural setting.It would be three years before I saw my next wild jaguar. By then, my colleague Joel C. Saenz, now at the National University of Costa Rica in Heredia, and I had resorted to pooling our own scant savings to study the jaguar and its primary prey, the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) in Corcovado, which has one of the highest concentrations of jaguars in Central America.

Jaguars populate a snaking strip of land from southern Arizona and New Mexico southward to northern Argentina. Hunting pressures on both jaguars and their primary prey, plus deforestation, have caused the species, Panthera onca, to disappear from several areas within that stretch, including the whole of El Salvador and historically extensive ranges north of the Mexican border. In fact, sightings that mark the northern limit of the jaguar’s range are recent; after decades of absence from the United States, the occasional jaguar was sighted in Arizona and New Mexico, beginning in 1996. In spite of its comeback, the jaguar is still considered in great danger of extinction. Needless to say, tracking the stealthy, solitary animals remains exceedingly difficult.

Our initial objective was to gather information about the peccaries’ and jaguars’ movement patterns. Was Corcovado large enough to maintain long-term populations of the two species? In spite of our limited resources, we determined that jaguars feed mainly on peccaries and marine turtles. The finding was surprising, because it is clear that a jaguar could eat any animal that crosses its path, including a human being. (There are no records, however, that jaguars have ever attacked people in the wild.) On reflection, though, opting for peccaries and sea turtles makes sense for the jaguars: adults of both kinds of prey are easy targets and weigh between eighty and ninety pounds, so they provide a good deal of energy in one fell swoop [see photographs at bottom left of next page].

We also realized that jaguars are active hunters by day as much as by night. Although they are skillful tree climbers and excellent swimmers, they travel mainly on the ground, walking along man-made trails. According to our findings, male .jaguars require at least ten square miles of territory to support their energy needs; females require about four square miles. The ranges of individuals, however, can overlap.

Those early observations of ours secured funding from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the National Geographic Society, and Idea Wild. Soon we were tracking more jaguars and more of their prey. On one memorable occasion Saenz and I had followed a group of peccaries across the jungle and shot a big one with a dart, hoping to collar it. But because the tranquilizer needs about ten minutes to take effect, we had to pursue the peccaries. Off we ran, jumping through the forest, across a dry, sandy streambed, through more forest, and across another streambed–where we saw our footprints in the sand. We were going in circles! But on top of our footprints were a set of paw prints from a big jaguar that had also been following the peccaries–or perhaps following us. Somehow it seemed as if the jaguars of Corcovado remained one step ahead of us. Or is that behind?

Individual jaguars’ coats vary in color on their backs from stunning golden-yellow to sandy brown, dotted with black, rounded rosettes. The jaguar’s belly is white with solid black spots. The top coats of the jaguars enabled us to differentiate them, and like many field investigators, we gave our subjects names. Monster was the largest cat we saw in Corcovado, weighing in at about 220 pounds. Rosa had a spot in the shape of a rose on the left side of her body, and she searched for sea turtles on the beach at every new Moon. Negra was the curious one, eager to investigate and rub against the camera “traps” that we began setting up near the beach in 2003

As part of its renewed focus on beauty, Rite Aid has taken a bold step to right the wrongs of the mass fragrance category by rolling out self-standing fragrance displays to select stores. The newest version, born in Rite Aid’s Mountain Top, Pa., store, is a four-sided display dubbed Beauty Shop. The display, complete with interior lighting, organizes fragrance into four categories, namely traditional mass, prestige, specialty bath and promotion, said a fragrance vendor. Only the prestige fragrances are locked behind glass, he added.

Rite Aid has been tinkering with a three-sided fragrance set since 1997, but vendors say the newest version solves many of the challenges facing the mass fragrance category by creating a true destination for fragrance.

For years, fragrance companies have implored chain drug stores to treat their fragrance departments with as much care and attention as their beauty walls. Several manufacturers say bolstering sales in the category, which has weathered a string of tough years, is as simple as implementing relatively minor merchandising changes. Vendors say adjustments intended to create more of a unique shopping environment for fragrance could drive sales in a category that offers retailers good margins, high price points and impulse purchases, which, in turn, bulks up basket size.

“Drug stores have done a great job of getting foot traffic,” said Michael Ferrara, senior vice president of customer marketing for Coty Beauty, a division of Coty U.S. “It’s not about getting fragrance customers in the store, it’s getting them to stop and shop the fragrance department.”

Even the flood of prestige fragrances into mass was not enough to revive mass fragrance sales. The key, say fragrance executives, is igniting excitement above and beyond new launches.

We need to draw a distinction between new versus exciting,” said John Galantic, president of Coty U.S. “Is new a brand born in another channel?” asked Galantic, referring to prestige brands. “If the consumer is discovering something new in a particular retailer’s store for the first time, that’s exciting. This category is dying for a blockbuster launch.”

Coty aims to deliver excitement with the launch of its Celine Dion fragrance in the mass channel this fall. The scent already has bowed in mid-tier department stores, but Coty has reserved the main marketing push for the mass debut.

“The blockbuster launch,” added Michaelene Roark, Coty Beauty senior vice president of field sales, “should be a habit, not just a one-time event. It creates the desire of want.

For their part, many chain drug retailers are making a concerted effort to improve their fragrance departments. Eckerd’s new format draws more attention to fragrance. In its departments, Walgreens showcases photos of fragrance bottles hidden by packaging in the mass arena to convey brand imagery to consumers.

The biggest question weighing on vendors minds is when will chain drug follow the route carved out by its big-box counterparts and move to an open-sell environment.

In chain drug, fragrance offerings, for the most part, remain locked securely behind glass to prevent theft.

“No one will steal them, but no one will buy them, either,” Ferrara said.

Other fragrance vendors point out that the prices of their fragrances aren’t that far off from Gillette’s Mach3 razor or a $20 jar of skin cream.

In recent years, several chain drug retailers have opted for a dual program of regular fragrances behind glass and collectible sizes on open sell.

Jeff Arnold, senior vice president of mass for Elizabeth Arden, said several retailers–namely Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid–have had success with peggable displays of Arden’s Designer Collectibles Program, an offering of prestige fragrances that range in price from $5.99 mini replicas to $12.99 1-ounce sprays.

Arden will expand its collectibles program this year by rolling out shelf-top displays.

Arnold sees the success of Arden’s open-sell collectibles program, as well as the double-digit yearly fragrance sales increases at Wal-Mart and Target (both have open-sell programs), as proof that an open sales environment is the most opportunistic one for retailers.

Beyond removing the glass, there are alternative ways of creating a more attractive, shopper-friendly fragrance display, vendors say.

“Rule No. 1 is make the display easy to shop,” said Anastasia Ayala, senior vice president of global fragrances for Coty Beauty. Ayala added that creating a clear, clean display often is as simple as calling attention to new products, segmenting fragrances by gender, building brand statements on shelf and editing the assortment to eliminate confusion.

Roark added that such subtle changes to the display have the potential to engender shopper loyalty and prevent drug stores from losing fragrance shoppers to specialty stores.

“Structural changes can change buying, behaviors,” Ferrara said. “For example, modest lighting makes an incredible impact. It does require some reconfiguring, but the payback is wonderful

As the science of creating fragrances grows more high-tech, perfumers are both bottling and protecting the best of nature with these methods.

Hydroponic flower farming: Plants are grown in nutrient-rich water, which protects flowers from soil-borne bacteria and diseases. As a result, scents are often fresher than those of traditionally grown plants. This method of cultivation also preserves valuable farmland and doesn’t require the use of fertilizers or pesticides, explains Subha Patel, head of global botanical fragrances technology at International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., in Union Beach, N.J.Living flower headspace technology: Instead of cutting a flower to produce a fragrance, the scent is analyzed while the plant is still alive, then recreated in a lab. This helps protect rare species. Get a whiff of this technique in the Bath & Body Works Daily Beauty Pleasures Sheer Freesia Body Splash ($10; 800-395-1001).

Fragrance, at the slightest invitation from the breeze, weaves gently through the garden and finds our noses. Each sweetly scented flower has the potential for a bouquet of memories, reminiscent of a special time and season. And it reminds us that gardening feeds all of the senses.

Plan your garden’s perfume the same way you choose your own scent: Find the aromas that suit your personality, and then take a seasonal approach. Choose selections for each time of year, designing them into the garden as you would color and texture. Place aromatic blossoms carefully to avoid a collision of fragrances or an overwhelming headiness. Plant flowers to cut, so you can bring the essence of your garden indoors or share with a friend. ELLEN RILEY

Winter

Your cold-weather choices are not abundant, but winter honeysuckle’s sweetness is perhaps the happiest surprise. Its delicate scent on a warm January day will take the chill from your heart, and the trace of perfume from yellow primroses is an unexpected discovery. Forced hyacinths on a windowsill are more overt-one bloom can saturate an entire room.

* winter daphne

* winter honeysuckle

* pansies (yellow ones are the most fragrant)

* paperwhite narcissus

* hyacinths

* primroses

Spring

Fragrance kicks into high gear this season, with heavenly perfumed peonies just begging to be arranged in a simple clear vase or your grandmother’s cut-glass bowl. Clove-scented dianthus are a colorful sight as they ramble saucily down a front walkway. Nostalgia is the essence of the oftinvasive Japanese honeysuckle; its sweet nectar has delighted children for generations.

Fragrance-heavy air fresheners mask unpleasant odors from pets, cooking and cigarette smoke, but the Environmental Protection Agency warns that their chemical ingredients can irritate your eyes, skin and throat. Try Fresh Wave’s new unscented candles and sprays, made with essential oils and plant extracts that neutralize odors naturally.

Coty has inked a global licensing deal with singer Celine Dion to create a fragrance, marking Coty’s second deal with a female recording artist this year. Coty said the new line will capture the essence of Dion, which centers on talent, style and femininity. Earlier this year, fellow celebrity Jennifer Lopez partnered with Coty’s prestige division, the Lancaster Group, based in ParisLopez’s debut fragrance, sold under the J. Lo by Jennifer Lopez brand, is called Glow.

Research has shown that Hispanics have become the nation’s largest minority community, prompting many manufacturers and retailers to develop products and merchandising programs geared toward Hispanics. Among the latest to make such a move is Dana Classic Fragrances.

The company, which also sells British Sterling, Canoe, English Leather, Tabu and Love’s Baby Soft, is looking to tap into the growing Hispanic market by introducing three Hispanic scents for men–Musk by Dana, Herbissimo Mejorana and Herbissimo Te Verde–to the United States. For years, the fragrances have been hot-selling items in the European market, and now the company is hoping to generate that same buzz here in the States.The Hispanic market is the No. 1 growing market, so why not target them specifically?” said Sean-Patrick Hillman of Corbin & Associates, which represents Dana Classic Fragrances.

Last year, the Census Bureau proclaimed that Hispanics have become the largest U.S. minority. Furthermore, Hispanic men have become the largest male minority sector.

Health and beauty care marketers targeting this group will be encouraged by the expectation that Hispanic men will have spending power of $271 billion to $361 billion in 2004, according to research by Packaged Facts, a publishing division of MarketResearch.com.

Starting this month, the fragrances, which retail for $9.99 each, are being positioned at Kmart, Rite Aid and Duane Reade stores that are located in Hispanic communities. The company also is in talks with several other retail chains.

Fragrance trends, like those of fashion, can change each season. We turned to olfactory expert Ann Gottlieb–a consultant who has helped create fragrances for Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera and Elizabeth Arden, among others–for her predictions:

* Comfort is key. “Today people crave comfort. Scents we associate with pampering–vanilla, warm woods such as sandalwood, anything creamy or yummy–should sell well.” Scents to seek: Victoria’s Secret Beauty Secret 88 with notes of vanilla and creamy cocoa.

* Classics make a comeback. “Whenever there’s uncertainty in the air, people lean on the tried-and-true.” Scents to seek: Perennial favorites such as Chanel No. 5.Elegance returns. “For a while, people were afraid to go all out with glamour. Now they’re ready to shed the doldrums.” Scents to seek: Luxurious high-end designer fragrances such as Givenchy Eau Torride, Carolina Herrera Chic, Oscar de la Renta Intrusion and Donna Karan Black Cashmere.

Classic scents such as (from far left) Creed Citrus Bigarrade, Calvin Klein Eternity and Chanel No. 5 are enjoying renewed popularity.

Scent IQ

To heighten your senses on base notes, parfums and everything in between, check out this crib sheet:

* Top note The lightest of a fragrance’s ingredients, it is the first–and most fleeting–encounter with a scent. Citruses are typical top notes.

* Heart (middle) note This is the second aroma, which emerges as a fragrance interacts with your body chemistry. Some examples: jasmine, freesia.