Olfactory Botany – Smelling Nature Through the Seasons – Giulio Giorgi

"Since working in gardens, plant fragrances have reminded me that our nose is an open door to the natural world, an invitation to grasp the beauty and interconnectedness of living beings.” Too often forgotten or relegated to anecdotal status, our sense of smell nevertheless plays an essential role in our perception of nature. It was from this observation that Giulio Giorgi – agricultural engineer, ecologist and landscape designer – wrote the very first work proposing a botanical classification based on olfactory criteria. Enriched by collaborative work between scientists and perfumers, Olfactory Botany presents fifty-two botanical species, described with sensitivity and rigor, through their history, their uses and above all their smell. The book also highlights the ecological importance of olfaction – pollination, communication, defense, plant metabolism, etc. – and feeds into a broader reflection on our environmental awareness. HAS At the crossroads of nature, art and science, Giulio Giorgi advocates a sensitive approach to better understand our relationship with the living. This agricultural engineer, ecologist and landscape designer creates unique garden works where ecology and aesthetics meet to offer immersive experiences. Author and teacher, he shares his expertise in environmental design in France and abroad.