Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, May 22, and it is the start of Memorial Day weekend in the US. There will be many sales, and I hope some of you are able to grab some fragrances that may have been on your wish list! I hope we all remember, as well, the many brave men and women, American and otherwise, who have given their lives for our freedom. Two years ago, my family and I were in Normandy over Memorial Day weekend, visiting the D-Day beaches, and we went to the annual ceremony at the American Cemetery that Sunday. It was so moving, and beautiful.

My garden has exploded with blooms and scent. The roses are resting up for their second flush, but the gardenias have more than compensated.

Every time they bloom and my garden is filled with their scent, I’m reminded of what a gorgeous fragrance they waft, and how hard it is for perfumers to capture it. Do you have a favorite gardenia perfume?