"There was music from my neighbor's house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whispering and the champagne and the stars." -- F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby"
That's one of my favorite passages in American literature, and it ran through my mind when I was lighting my new Blue Garden candle. I've been familiar with the Nest candle line for a while, and I've had a favorable impression of the candles' fragrances and packaging, but somehow I didn't purchase one until I noticed Blue Garden. The name must have held a subconscious appeal for me. I've also been feeling the need for a new home fragrance, since I usually like to make a seasonal switch from spicy or gourmand blends to lighter, botanical notes at this time of year.
Nest describes Blue Garden's fragrance as "blue hydrangea, hyacinth, and forget-me-nots...blended with fresh green notes and a dew drop accord to create the aroma of a lush floral garden." That's an accurate summary. I actually don't know how forget-me-nots smell, but Blue Garden does capture the idea of hyacinth and hydrangea in bloom. It's a clean scent, as florals go, but not soapy, and its dewy-green aspect makes it feel versatile. It's truly more like a garden than a florist's shop — flowery, but a little airy, without an overly "perfumey" feeling — and since I love floral fragrances, but my husband dislikes anything that turns too heady or hothouse-like, it satisfies both tastes and works well in our home.
Blue Garden is a well-scented candle, and its fragrance disperses efficiently without being overpowering. If I burn it in the evening, I can still detect the scent when I enter the room the next morning, which is a nice surprise. It's reasonably priced for an eight-ounce candle that promises to last for fifty hours, and its deep indigo-blue glass holder is stunning. (One small complaint: if you happen to knock the candle against any nearby sharp-edged objects, as I clumsily did, the blue coloring will scratch off.) For some reason, it's difficult to find a floral candle that's delicate and fresh but has a distinct presence, or one that gives off enough fragrance and still smells high-quality, but Blue Garden does it all effortlessly.
Lastly, Nest Fragrances will donate one-hundred percent of the net proceeds for this candle to Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Blue Garden was introduced in April, for Autism Awareness Month, and I'm not certain whether it's a limited edition or a permanent addition to the collection. In any case, it's reportedly selling well, and I'll probably be headed back to buy another one before we even reach the heart of summer.
Nest Blue Garden candle sells for $32 at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Note: top image is Many stars -- hydrangea by Steven.y on flickr; some rights reserved.
Wow! It’s unusual for any company to donate 100% of the proceeds of *anything*, so I will definitely be purchasing one of these. I’m not sure if it was the Gatsby quote, your review or the donation that pushed me over the edge.
Btw, just thought I’d mention: I was over at my mother’s house today and her Siberian Iris and Lily of the Valley are in bloom *and* the grass had just been cut. I went out in the yard and just layed there in the grass sniffing it all in. Heaven! Their neighbors did look at me a bit strangely. lol
LaMaroc, That sounds wonderful! You *should* enjoy it all. Who cares what the neighbors think.
This sounds perfect for late spring, Jessica. Thanks for the review. I’d been working my way through Voluspa candles and would love to find something different to enjoy as well. LaMaroc, I can just imagine how gorgeous that must have smelled… That would make a heavenly candle fragrance, too.
We’re big supporters of AS around here as I find them one of the more down to earth Autism charities, so we will definitely be buying one of these candles for that as well as sending links to friends and family. It is a fitting choice for a charity given how much Liam loves candles and things that he can smell, so hats off to Nest for such a generous donation and beautiful idea. It sounds gorgeous and I’m a sucker for dark blue anything so the container sounds right up my alley if I can keep it from getting dinged up.
Absolute, It’s certainly an excellent cause! Yes, I stupidly tipped the candle against some nearby picture frames on the table. The scratches aren’t very noticeable, but I thought I’d issue that warning all the same.
Jessica, what a beautiful review, picture and quote! thank you very much
Ami, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.
The candle is beautiful and with 100% going to AS it’s worth every penny. I love your Gatsby quote, I’m going to read the book again. That quote is now woven permanently into my mind.
Meadowbliss, I think I’ll read it again soon, too!
I always appreciate your home fragrance reviews Jessica as I love to burn good quality candles and incense. You always come across items that are new to me. I had to re-read the part about 100% of the proceeds going to a good cause – I wasn’t sure if i read that right. That’s pretty remarkable. The quote from Gatsby makes me want to read the book again, it’s been so many years. Thanks for the review!
Rusticdove, apparently the founder/owner of Nest, Laura Slatkin, and her husband Harry Slatkin (also of candle fame!) are great supporters of autism research and education. This is a particularly nice way to raise money and awareness, isn’t it?
Oh, this is a Slatkin company then. I see. Well, they certainly are good folks to be so generous.
I’m as addicted to candles and home gragrance as I am to perfume – and like you, Jessica, i like to change things up as the seasons evolve (and keep my hubby from gasping and gagging as well!). Thsi sounds worthy of a trip to Saks to do some sniffing. Thanks for this great review!
Maggiecat, it’s true: if you love personal fragrance, home fragrance is just as important! Do check it out if you’re near one of those stores.
It is terrific that they are donating 100% of the proceeds! This sounds lovely, and I really like the name Blue Garden. I can see why it conjured up that wonderful Gatsby image for you!
Jill, Isn’t a perfect name for that combination of flowers? I have no idea whether they’re Fitzgerald fans, but *I* certainly am!