Bond No.9 Chelsea Flowers

Every spring, the flower markets of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood overflow with fresh stems. Bond No.9 bottled that scene in 2003, with perfumer Laurent Le Guernec, and called it Chelsea Flowers.

It smells like an armful of flowers rather than a single bloom. Magnolia, tulip and peony come first, dewy and just-cut. Hyacinth and rose add a greener, more classic middle. The base of musk, sandalwood, oakmoss and vetiver grounds it, and the oakmoss gives it an earthy polish that feels quietly expensive.

It’s a true floral, not a fruity one, so it suits people who find most modern florals too sweet. Weddings, brunches and daytime events are its natural setting.

The round white bottle is traced with fine orange lines around the house’s city token. Eau de Parfum, 3.3 oz.

From the same house, Madison Square Park is another fresh city floral. Magnolia lovers should also try Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia.