Some of the things I love most about summer are the almost hypnotic aromas of nature. The sweet perfume from a bowl of strawberries, the freshness of just-mown grass or the heady aroma of a vase of freesias, the scents of summer always make me happy.

Fragrances often evoke vivid memories and many of the world's best perfume makers have been inspired by a special place, event or time to create their most glorious scents. Frank Sawkins, the founder of Czech & Speake, was so inspired by a visit to Cuba that he set about creating a fragrance that evoked the island's dignity and exotic flair. The resulting perfume, Cuba, is a heady mix of peppermint, clove, rum and tobacco. Carolina Herrera says the first time she smelt her eponymous fragrance, the memories came flooding in. Carolina's love of scent started early, and the wild strawberry leaves, rose petals and vanilla took her back to her childhood and happily experimenting with aromatic oils.

My most nostalgic smell is lavender; it always brings my grandmother to mind. She would keep tiny muslin bags filled with dried lavender flowers amongst her clothes and linen. Wherever she went the relaxing aroma of lavender would follow, the merest whiff of it each summer brings back happy memories. Like many of nature's aromas, lavender has been undergoing resurgence of late. For years it was associated with genteel elderly ladies, but now its uses as an aromatherapy oil have been rediscovered, and relaxing, soothing lavender can be found in everything from bath oils to cleansers and hand creams. For a quintessentially British summer perfume, look no further than Yardley who have been producing lavender products since 1770.

One of my all time favourite summer fragrances is neroli. It is an essential oil derived from the wild blossoms of the bitter orange tree and no matter how often I smell it, the aroma takes my breath away. Powerful and uplifting the scent of neroli is reminiscent of lilies. For a summer fragrance of pure decadence try Jo Malone's Orange Blossom cologne, it's gorgeous.

The tiny white jasmine flowers in my neighbour's garden fill my bedroom with their heady fragrance every night. Floral, warm and exotic, jasmine has been used since the sixteenth century for its ability to uplift moods and lessen anxiety (it is also said to be an aphrodisiac so be careful how you use it!). Subtle and sexy, Attar Bazaar's Tunisian Jasmine Attar is alcohol free and made only with pure plant ingredients.

For practical as well as fragrant reasons, lemongrass is a very useful summer scent. Cooling, refreshing and full of citrus zing, the oil extracted from this grass-like tropical plant also works as an antiseptic and very effective insect repellent so remember to pack some in your holiday luggage.

Fancy creating your own signature scent this summer? Here's how: dilute* three to six drops of your favourite essential oils into two tablespoons of a carrier oil like sweet almond or grapeseed. Mix them together then apply to your arms and neck. Lavender, neroli, jasmine and lemongrass all blend together well, so try using different amounts of each to create your own truly unique fragrance.

This summer, whether you are stuck in the city, chained to your desk or caught in a downpour, the right summer scent just might transport you to an altogether sunnier place.

*Always dilute pure essential oils before applying them to your skin.

Stockists:
Yardley London department stores and pharmacies
Jo Malone www.jomalone.co.uk
Attar Bazaar www.beautynaturals.co.uk