How To Make Homemade Potpourri

I have been making dry and wet potpourri for many, many years.  Just how many years you will not get me to divulge here…

Since one of my passions is gardening, the art form of scent and how to make potpourri seems a natural companion.  The scent of potpourri has the power to transform a home.   I also find it a tranquil pastime to wander through my garden and collect petals.  It is a simple pleasure that I enjoy a great deal.  On my walk today, I collected Peony and Rosa Rugosa petals which smell heavenly!

The next step is to dry them in brown paper bags and shake them daily.  I find that this works well for me in Ohio.  Climate and temperature may alter the drying procedure.  Another easy way is to just stick the petals in a food dehydrator or oven on the lowest setting.   After they are completely dry (and I mean completely devoid of any moisture) I store the dried petals in canning jars.

My absolute favorite book on the topic of natural scent is The Scented Room by Barbara Milo Ohrbach.  I learned most of what I know about potpourri from this excellent author.

How To Make Homemade Potpourri

SUPPLIES

dried flower petals

dried leaves

dried seed pods

whole spices

essential oils

brown paper lunch bags

flower  basket

garden shears or scissors

*Making potpourri is EASY and if you don’t have one ingredient substitute it or omit it.  It is in those moments that discovery is found.  This is a fun and enjoyable project for you to do with your children.

DIRECTIONS

1. Find a recipe for a dry potpourri.  (See below)
2. Pick and dry flower petals or order online.
3. Purchase the remaining materials.
4. Combine all the ingredients from your potpourri recipe in a large metal or glass bowl and stir until the essential oils are absorbed.  Store the potpourri in a sealed container.
5. Display in a dish, jar, basket, or sachet.  The color combinations and the lovely scent will make your home a place or beauty and it is always nice to change the atmosphere of a home through aromatherapy.

Summer Garden Scented Potpourri

2 ounces dried rosebuds

1-ounce lavender flowers

1-ounce chamomile flowers

2 ounces dried leaves (whole bay leaves are easy to find)

2 ounces dried hibiscus petals

1 ounce dried peony petals

3 ounces dried marigold or calendula flowers

1 ounce  dried rose mallow flowers

3 drops rose geranium essential oil

4 drops of lavender essential oil

4 drops of jasmine essential oil

4 drops of rose essential oil

4 drops of wild orange essential oil

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YOUR TURN…

How do you make potpourri?

Blessings,

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*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a physician prior to the use of essential oils.