May Meeting – The Perfume of Plants
Our speaker was John Baker and his wife June Colley who told us all about ‘The Perfume of Plants’. John told us about the history of scent from Frankincense and Myrrh, the use of perfumes in embalming and the use through different cultures. June added the chemistry side of perfumes explaining the notes about the different perfumes and how they could be used to enhance our enjoyment of them. Some of the scents on their own we would hate, but combined with others we enjoyed. They explained why plants used scent to help pollination by attracting certain insects and animals. They then went through a range of plants telling us about the fragrances they provided. June arranged a selection of perfumes, some exotic and wonderful down to the pungent civet which had a strong animalistic odour.
Hints and tips about keeping scent in dark bottles and in the fridge extended the life of scent. They have a limited shelf life once oxygen gets to the chemicals. – store bottles upside down!!
John also mentioned their collection of hostas at their garden in Lindford. Slugs were also brought into the mix as usual with hostas and Garlic spray and ammonia mentioned as a deterrent. A very interesting talk all round.
