8. Lilac
Lilacs are one of the most nostalgic, old-fashioned plants you can grow. Their heavy clusters of purple, pink, white, or blue flowers appear in mid to late spring and release a dreamy, powdery fragrance that instantly transports you to simpler times. The scent is so beloved that it’s often replicated in candles, soaps, and perfumes. Lilacs thrive in colder climates and actually require a long winter chill to bloom properly. They like full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re quite hardy once established. Prune them just after blooming to encourage more flowers next year. A mature lilac shrub in bloom can scent your entire yard—and maybe even your neighbor’s too.