We may think we know what flowers smell like, but most of us are more familiar with the near-scentless bouquets at flower shops. Imagine a tuberose, all by itself.
Have you ever seen one growing outdoors, let alone inhaled its sweet aroma, which starts out airy and green then turns intoxicating and animalic? With a mix of science and art, perfumers are hoping to take us back to that unspoiled version of nature. And, boy, do we need it.