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The Fragrance That Says ‘Johannesburg’ Like Nothing Else

We hear a lot about the current state of Joburg and sadly it is looking a bit ragged.

Something however about Joburg that has always brought a smile to my face is the Syringa trees in full bloom, in all their magnificence.

Although not the floral spectacle of the Jacaranda tree, there are few flowers that give off the beautiful perfume of the Syringa. With elements of orange blossom, gardenia and jasmine for some reason it’s just never recognised for the powerhouse it is. The flower itself looks a little ordinary, a small bell shaped white and mauve bloom. What makes it so special is the scent of thousands of these little flowers that all bloom at the same time.

My wife and I went for a walk around the suburb on the weekend and that syringa scent was just everywhere. For me it is the scent that reminds me of Johannesburg, like no other. I have lived in Joburg for large parts of my life both growing up and as an adult and that scent of Syringa is just unmistakably Joburg. I have not smelt a floral marker anywhere quite like it.

I have walked in the lavender fields outside Franschoek, orange orchards in Patensie, peach orchards in the Koo valley and the rose farms in Hekport. None of them can touch the heady perfume of the Syringas in full bloom come springtime in Johannesburg.

It is not a scent widely used in perfumery, as its essential oil is extremely hard to collect which makes it an expensive addition to any perfume. There are a few niche offerings, but nothing mainstream.

Syringa is a smell I remember vividly from growing up in Johannesburg, like the fresh green scent of just mown rugby fields, the unmistakable smell of rain on hot ground from mid summer thunderstorms and the smell of old wood in the school chapel.

For me part of the mystique of Syringa is that it is only around for a few short weeks and then it’s gone.

A few people are making use of our bundle discount offering, but lots of people are still leaving money on the table by not taking advantage. Two 50ml perfumes are R500, but for just R175 more you can get three and for R500 more you can get 5, yes that’s right 5 perfumes for R1000! That is incredible value that we really want you to take advantage of. Don’t forget about those bundle discounts!

If you’d like to come and visit us, we’ll be at A Blooming Affair Spring market at Roedean School in Houghton on 4 October, pop in and say hello.

If you have any scents that remind you of people, places or moments in time, fragrant book marks in the story of your life we would love to hear about them.

Until next time

Rob

"Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?"

Neltje Blanchan

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