I Love Ginestra
A few days ago, I posted a rant about men and cologne.
Now I’m going to tell you that there is one fragrance that I own; love; and occasionally,with a very light hand, use myself.
That fragrance is: Ginestra from Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, one of the oldest farmacias in the world dating back to the 17th century.
Ginestra is a flower also known as Scotch Broom.
Santa Maria’s Ginestra starts with a light blend of bergamot, lime and orange blossom. Then you begin to detect a sweet, grassy, hay. And finally the light floral of the broom flower. It doesn’t smack you in the face, making it the perfect fragrance for someone who doesn’t like fragrances.
So there you have it, call me a hypocrite if you wish. I don’t like cologne on men, and I don’t like the perfumes other women wear. But I do adore the Ginestra I sometimes wear myself.
Next time in Florence I’ll get a whiff of this and think of you.
I loved visiting SMN in Florence so much! Next time, I’ll sniff the Ginestra.
It sounds lovely. We grow Sicilian broom which has a lovely smell. I also remember smelling the wild broom hiking near Nice in June.
Here we have an invasive plant which smells terrible. I think it is the real scotch broom.
Don’t know if you will ever see this comment, as I am making it on February 24, 2011, to a post from 3.19.10. Just had to tell you discovering “our fragrance” at SMN by total chance in Florence was a totally spiritual experience for my daughter, Maggie Ginestra, and me. She bought her eponymous fragrance and loves it! And isn’t it a tantalizing aroma? Her great-grandfather Ginestra came from Italy through Ellis Island about 1907.
Lovely blog… Kathleen Ginestra, Fort Lauderdale, FL kato1gin@aol.com
my visit to Florence – I only remember Santa Maria de Novella – I could have stayed forever. I purchased Ginestra and wear it sparingly so that it will last forever. Was there 9 years ago and still have it.
Deborah responds:
Hi Regina. So happy to hear from another Ginestra addict! Glad you posted.
I love your priorities and I must try the cologne…..