A FORAY INTO THE UNKOWN: A Victorian Obsession
Plowden and Fallows Ophrys is A fragrance dedicated to the age old British tradition of exploration and curiosity in what was a world that was full of relative unknowns. Those who chose to undertake botanical expeditions in the Edwardian and Victorian era’s were the superstars of the time and indeed their spirit of adventure continues to this day, with many new botanical wonders and species still yet laying undiscovered. Although these noble ideals have less relevance today, the British garden in a mid summers bloom owes much to these intrepid plant hunters, or what some may term, botanical pirates. A controversial period of British History, none the less, from Orchids to Rhododendrons, Pineapples to Citrus, dangerous and far flung exploration delivered many botanical wonders to Britain throughout the last three or so centuries.
The Victorian Era: A Flourishing of Botanical Passion
The 19th century was a period of unprecedented scientific curiosity, fuelled by the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution. This era witnessed an explosion of interest in the natural world, and botany, in particular, was a thriving field of study. The allure of exotic plants from far-off lands became an obsession for many Victorians, and orchids held a special place in their hearts.
Orchids: Symbols of Beauty and Intrigue
Orchids, with their dazzling diversity and intricate structures, were highly coveted by collectors during the Victorian era. These enchanting blooms symbolized beauty, elegance, and the allure of the unknown. Orchid enthusiasts would go to great lengths to acquire rare and exotic species, often paying exorbitant sums to add these treasures to their collections.
The Adventurous Plant Hunters
Plant hunters were the unsung heroes of this botanical craze. These intrepid explorers embarked on perilous journeys to remote corners of the globe in search of new and rare plant species. They faced treacherous terrain, unpredictable weather, and even hostile indigenous populations to bring back exotic specimens to Europe.
Whilst we can only tell so many tales in a blog, some famous characters include:
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker: The Kew Gardens Explorer
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, a close friend of Charles Darwin, was one of the most renowned plant hunters of the Victorian era. He made several expeditions to the Himalayas, where he discovered numerous orchid species and documented the rich flora of the region. Hooker's contributions to botany were monumental, and his discoveries enriched the collections of Kew Gardens and many private orchid enthusiasts.
Richard Spruce: The Amazonian Explorer
Richard Spruce was another legendary plant hunter whose expeditions took him deep into the Amazon rainforest. In the mid-19th century, he ventured into uncharted territory, documenting over 7,000 plant species, including numerous orchids. His meticulous records and collections significantly expanded the scientific knowledge of South American flora.
Robert Fortune: The Tea and Orchid Spy
Robert Fortune, an English horticulturist, embarked on an unusual mission to China in the mid-19th century. Disguised as a local, he infiltrated the closely guarded tea plantations of China to steal tea plants. In the process, he also collected rare orchids, providing Europeans with their first glimpse of these exotic blooms.
Conclusion
The Victorian era's fascination with plant hunters and orchid collecting reflects the period's spirit of adventure, scientific curiosity, and unbridled passion for the natural world. These intrepid explorers risked life and limb to bring back the treasures of remote lands, forever enriching our botanical knowledge. Whilst the era may be a controversial period of British history, their stories serve as a testament to the enduring human thirst for discovery and the enduring allure of orchids, which continue to captivate us to this day, inspiring Plowden & Fallow’s Ophrys Perfume. As we admire the elegant blooms of orchids in our homes and gardens, we owe a debt of gratitude to these Victorian plant hunters who made it all possible.
Ophrys, Eau de Parfum is a aromatic marriage of a series of imported botanicals and other notes of fine standing, with which we have created a perfume that we feel represents the above lofty notions. Our perfumer has carefully balanced ingredients such as orange blossom, rose absolute and petitgrain ascending from a base of musky sandalwood and patchouli, to mention just a few of notes present in this composition. This long lasting scent is the ideal companion for both men and women to adorn ones self with and be metaphorically transported to a forgotten time to bask in botanical splendour.
Yours faithfully,
Plowden & Fallow Customer Services.
