Spring Flowers and Gardens
Spring in Santa Barbara always feels slightly unreal to me. The gardens begin to loosen and spill into themselves — roses climbing where they please, citrus trees heavy with scent, long stretches of green that seem almost too bright in the late afternoon light.
Recently, I hosted a small gathering here in Montecito centered around flowers, scent, and painting. We spent the afternoon moving between the garden and the table, beginning with botanical fragrance and then translating those notes into watercolor studies inspired by what surrounded us.
There’s something interesting that happens when people begin with scent first. Color becomes less literal. The paintings loosen. Guests stop trying to “paint a flower” and instead respond to atmosphere, memory, texture, or light. Every piece became completely different, even though we were all working from the same environment.
I selected a palette that reflected the season around us — blooming succulents, pansies, peonies, lilacs, Iris and sweet peas — and paired it with a small collection of botanical perfume materials chosen for their clarity and character.
Throughout the afternoon, small dishes prepared by our chef Aspyn were passed quietly through the garden while guests painted wherever they felt most comfortable — at the table, beside the pool, or tucked into a corner of the landscape with paper balanced on their lap.
We ended the day together around the table for a late meal as the light shifted and the garden began to cool.
What I continue to love most about these gatherings is not perfection or outcome, but the way people begin to notice things differently when good materials, conversation, nature, and a little bit of time come together in the same place.
— Kim Hauck
The Sovereign Table
Day 1
Visit to Ganna Walska Lotusland in Montecito- Lotusland always feels slightly suspended in time to me — somewhere between garden and dream. The scale of the plants, the unexpected textures, the stillness of the water gardens — everything slows your attention in the best possible way. It’s impossible to walk through it without noticing color differently afterward. Wanting to paint every detail. Capture every scent. Here are a few scent recipes to create, imagine or acquire.
These pair especially well together: Cypress + Lotus clean watery architectural / Peony + Orris-soft refined floral without heaviness / Lilac + Sweet Pea- spring garden, airy and nostalgic / Cypress + Galbanum - sharp green structure. / Lotus + Succulent Accord - modern, airy, unusual
Scent Palette Recipes
Succulent
This isn’t a true perfumery note, so you recreate it through green/watery/mineral accords Impression
Cool stone, damp garden paths, watered succulents in evening light, slightly wild
(green / watery / soft floral)
Structure
Base notes- Cypress, Cedarwood, Soft musk (optional)
Heart- Lotus, Sweet pea
Top- Green mandarin, Violet leaf
Spring Flowers
Impression
Floral Farmers market, wild fields
(airy floral / soft sunlight)
Base notes- Orris root, Blonde woods, Hint of cypress
Heart notes- Peony, Lilac
Top notes- Bergamot, Verbena
Lotusland
Impression
Still water, pale flowers, shaded terraces, calm but luminous.
(quiet / watery / elegant)
Base- Sandalwood, Cypress, Ambrette seed
Heart- Lotus, White peony
Top- Neroli, Fresh green fig leaf Impression
Sovereign K
Springtime Fantasy
Base -Cypress + Cedarwood + Orris
Heart - Lotus + Peony
Top- Verbena + Bergamot + Green Stem Accord
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A Beginners Dream
Composition
9 ml
Base
12 drops Cedarwood
3 drops Orris
Heart
Choose One
8 Neroli
or
8 Rose
Top (7 drops total)
Bergamot
Verbena
Galbanum
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The base begins with cedarwood,
chosen for its steadiness and
ability to hold the blend together
without overpowering it.
A small amount of orris root is
added for softness and refinement,
giving the fragrance a more
finished depth.
From there, build slowly and
adjust as you go.
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L’Essence de l’Aquarelle
The Sovereign Table
Montecito, California
