Azara microphylla

Jonathan Taylor, Deputy Head Gardener, mentioned the Azara microphylla which was wafting fragrance across the Holkham Walled Garden.  Can you believe it? This shrub, originally from South America,  actually smells like a freshly baked chocolate cake being taken from the oven.
It wasn't easy to find as the flowers are tiny and the leaf arrangement looks rather like a Cotoneaster horizontalis. If you are visiting the garden turn left at the main entrance, continue along the path and into the second 'room' where  newly planted  shrubs are swathed in rabbit proof wire. Continue to the end of this room until you reach the mature shrubs on your right and just stop...and sniff....and think of chocolate cake.