A typhoon is approaching, but for now I have the kitchen window open with the combined fragrance of ginger lily -: a cold warm spice – its chastity ambiguously lucent – and the fresh lilting apricot of the new osmanthus – which, unusually, bloomed two weeks early on d’s birthday last Wednesday.
I thought I would share some just taken photographs — wish I could transmit the smell as well — before it all gets blown away.
Stay safe, Neil. I sure do miss the exquisite scent of ginger lilies.
Ah yes … one of the Colorado trade offs!
They do have a rousing langour about them don’t they ?
Good luck in the typhoon.
This pics are sumptuous.
Thanks. Typhoon underwhelming thus far !
One day I hope to see and smell the orange-hued osmanthus. I’ve only experienced the pale yellow ones.
Ah! I think I have smelled those somewhere….are they more in China? My friend sent me pictures from Shanghai and they did look a bit different.
These came early and went early – the typhoon saw to that. Normally it is Osmanthus Central for so long that eventually you can hardly breathe. The air CLOGGED with the drowse o osmanthe. This year I would have liked it a BIT longer though. Short and sweet.
Have you discovered any good perfume translations since the last time we discussed this? I quite like Satori’s Sonnet – shampoo fresh peachy apricot orange lined osmanthus – sheer and pure. Have been thinking I might want to buy it. I simply don’t need my kinmokusei loaded with suede and all the rest of it – I find that effect a tad nauseating (the flowers already have that queasy style to some extent – I prefer them purified – less haute couture and more off the peg)
They were in Taiwan, but I believe those in China are more yellow as well.
Osmanthus Interdite by Parfum d’Empire is still my favorite osmanthus perfume – tea-like, jasmine, and a bit of suede as well, though not strongly. Osmanthe Yunnan by Hermès is a floral expression as well; I’ve only had a sample. Osmanthus by The Different Company grew on me after a while, although it’s not really “enhanced” by other notes. I personally prefer the more leathery interpretations.
I would so love to find an Osmanthus that might bloom in Yorkshire. Are you aware of any?
I am not! Do they grow at all in the UK?
Never seen any but I don’t see why not