this is paperwhite narcissus, bulbs which i force into bloom every year for the holidays. having flowers in winter is wonderful but it's the sweet smell filling up the house that i really like. but i'm in the minority, i'm afraid. long has the girl told me, to her the things smell just like feet. and this year as i show the delicate blossoms to the little girl, she announces that they smell like poop.
13 December 2009
the nose knows
this is paperwhite narcissus, bulbs which i force into bloom every year for the holidays. having flowers in winter is wonderful but it's the sweet smell filling up the house that i really like. but i'm in the minority, i'm afraid. long has the girl told me, to her the things smell just like feet. and this year as i show the delicate blossoms to the little girl, she announces that they smell like poop.
What a kid -- says it like she sees/smells it -- brilliant!
ReplyDeleteshe certainly does. i was crushed, i tell you. and it's really making me question my sense of smell!
ReplyDeletewhen the nostril receptors get full,
ReplyDeletethey detect more ammonia in fragrances than usual, causing
a poo/pee smell and children sense smell differently, i have noticed some unpleasant hints in many pleasant smelling flowers after "over smelling" them or recently smelling something else.
i have actually gotten a headache from over smelling paper whites, their sweet musky fragrance/
some people dislike the smell all together
i like the smell so much, i'm going to plant them again so i'll have paperwhites for valentine's day! thanks for the information, JJ Cedar Glader!
ReplyDeleteI'm a floral designer, I absoloutely love flowers. However, I do believe that paper whites smell like a strong urine. I have to agree with the girl. It is the only flower that I do not enjoy the smell of.
ReplyDeleteMy word verification was
"Sysol"