Elizabeth's Perfume :: Chelsea Flower Show

Take eight grains of musk and put in rose-water eight spoonfuls, three spoonfuls of Damask-water, and a quarter of an ounce of sugar. Boil for five hours and strain it.

This is the original recipe for a perfume created by Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century, and the inspiration for the perfume garden created by architect Laurie Chetwood and landscape designer Patrick Collins for this years Chelsea Garden Show in London.

Don't have your tickets yet ? Sadly, neither do I ... .. . but , we can follow the show (which starts with a gala opening, Monday evening) through the excellent coverage at the Telegraph:

Just click here for photos and videos which will allow you to view the preparations and competition.

Here's a rendering of the perfume garden entry, which is designed

"to illustrate the diverse range of plants that are used in the manufacture of perfumes, from the clipped western red cedars, Thuja plicata, to the Sedum rosea, or roseroot, every plant in the garden has a function in the creation of a scent. These include both historic and contemporary varieties that have been used throughout history."

For one with a long history of fascination with Elizabeth 1 ... and especially
her wardrobe ... . I'm enchanted with this garden concept.
They have even included an actual perfumery in the garden, where one can
sample a recreation of the original fragrance.

'Tis true ... . ..
you can tell a lot about a girl from her choice of fragrance.
_________________________________________
photo 1 : mixed media collage-The Queen Wore White- by Judith Thibaut
photo 3 : mixed media collage - The Queen Wore Polka Dots - by Judith Thibaut

Both photos copyright Judith Thibaut