Ahhhh … autumn. It really is a special time of year in Australia. As the weather finally cools and the leaves turn, the intense smells of summer dissipate and more earthy scents emerge. The first rains wash away the grime of the long hot months – then, depending where you live, a dampness settles over the fallen leaves and produces its own sweet elixir.

The cooler weather is gentler on our olfactory system. There are fewer smells in the air – as the temperature drops, odour molecules are less likely to be released from the environment around us. This makes autumn the perfect time to think about lighting scented candles or opening a new diffuser, and welcoming beautiful scents into your home.

Question is, which aromas are best in autumn? It can depend on the mood you’re trying to create. For us, it’s all about seasonal fruits and veg – many of which have been ripening beautifully over summer, ready to release their heady scents.

Here are five of our favourites.

Fig

A freshly picked fig is juicy, indulgent and richly aromatic, combining the scent of the sun-ripened fruit with that of its woodsy leaves. With its hints of sweet jasmine, spicy anise and sandalwood, the aroma of figs will create the sense that summer is lingering longer in your home.

Lime

The tangy smell of lime refreshes and invigorates, offering the perfect pick-me-up as the weather cools and you’re tempted to linger under the doona for longer in the mornings. It’s known to stimulate your immune system and boost your concentration, too.

Ginger

This warm, spicy scent energises body and soul. It restores balance if you’re feeling nauseous; its warming properties help with cold muscles; it relieves headache; it aids in digestive issues. And, paired with another vibrant scent like lemongrass, it is an incredibly uplifting fragrance for your home.

Pear

Deliciously juicy pears are coming into season in autumn, and we can’t get enough of their sweet scent. Whether you have fruit ripening in the bowl or not, you can celebrate the crisp aroma of pears with a candle that captures the scent perfectly.

Orange

We start craving the zesty aroma of oranges around now. We suspect it’s got something to do with the fruit’s restorative properties – renowned for its Vitamin C content, an orange is a great immune booster and just what we need coming into the colder months. The scent of orange is energising and refreshing, too; and helps to promote a positive mood.

Ready to infuse your home with the scents of autumn? Head over to Oscura to discover the scents of the season.