The World of Cut Flowers

Originally people stored potpourri in closed ceramic containers near heat sources. They would open the lid of the container while they were using the room and the heat would make the perfume expand and fill the room. When the room was not in use the lid would cover the container again. But now the beauty of potpourri is as important as its charm and potpourris are therefore displayed in more varying containers. Learn how to make a quart of basic potpourri with our recipe.

 For this you will need:

·        6 cups of dried rose petals in red and pink

·        2 cups of dried miniature rosebuds

·        2 cups of dried lavender

·        1 cup of dried rose leaves

·        2 tablespoons of any fixative

·        15 drops of rose oil

Put the dried plant materials in a large glass bowl. Add a fixative such as cellulose, orris root powder, ground gum benzoin, fiberfix or oak moss. The ratio of tablespoons of fixatives to cups of dried material should be 1:2. Add the rose oil and mix well.

Place the mixture in a paper bag and use clothespins to seal the top. Turn the bag over to mix the fixative well. Season it away from the sunlight for four to six weeks, and shake the bag occasionally in between.

After the seasoning period, put out the potpourri in an open container and add some more essential oil if you feel the fragrance has reduced.

 Potpourri can be kept in lingerie and woolen wear drawers, or anywhere you store your clothes. They can also be used for display at dinner tables or in rooms where a light blush of fragrance would be welcomed.