I'm just back in town from a wonderful weekend in Berkeley, CA where I attended a natural perfume workshop with the extremely talented Mandy Aftel. The whole fragrance experience began for me on the first day of my trip spent wandering the streets of North Berkeley. Everywhere I turned I was astonished by fragrant blooms. Thick brackets of jasmine hung thickly all over the neighborhood, and roses the size of cabbages wafted their aromas on the breeze.

Berkeley Rose Garden

I discovered the Berkeley Rose Garden, perched high on a hill with an incredible view of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It was a literal amphitheater of roses. I was very fortunate to visit the area during peak rose season. Every rose smell differently and it was a wonderful way to prepare my nose for my upcoming workshop in perfumery.