A selling point for my locally grown flowers is fragrance. Most conventionally sourced flowers have scent bred out of them to increase vase life as they are shipped from overseas. So, I highlight fragrance. Most of the flowers I sell have pleasant or at least interesting scents. Bells of Ireland, for instance, I think have a fresh, soapy smell. Tuberose, one of my favorites, produces an aroma that makes me think of the tropics. However, not all floral fragrances are enjoyable, particularly those that emit a less subtle smell. Much like perfume, less is more. Lilies, to me, are the Axe body spray of flower smells.
I, and my team, have overdone it on some fragrances, especially the ubiquitous, herbaceous produce that are used in both the floral and culinary arts. Thanksgiving is ruined for me. After stripping and tying hundreds of rosemary springs for tables settings, I’ll pass on the infused mashed potatoes. Sage is just obnoxious. I’m sure it is a fine ingredient in moderation for a dish, but buckets of it in my studio triggers my gag reflex. Who could hate Lavender? Everyone who works in my shop certainly does. Those rows of purple look beautiful, but I will hold my breath if I’m anywhere near it.
Sadly, eucalyptus is by far the worst of the overwhelming fragrances for us. It is such a great design element for texture in a bouquet. Plus, it’s a big seller just in a bunch. Customers love to hang it in their shower to create an at home spa experience. For them, it’s a welcome calming and soothing presence, For us, it’s a bane. Stripping the leaves by hand activates the sticky oil inside. After several hundred stems each week our hands are permeated. We have tried all the home remedies but euc has staying power. It’s especially bothersome at night when I can smell it on my hands while trying to sleep. It keeps me up. It is relentless.
I will still stop to smell the roses, just not too much.
