Making Rose Potpourri from a Bouquet of Flowers

Scented plant parts such as rose petals, myrrh iris or frankincense have been used in colognes and perfumes for ever. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used all of these plants in mixes to scent everything and for special uses as well. From the French term which means rotten pot potpourri is a mix of dried petals and flowers.

The two methods of making rose potpourri are:

The moist method; where the rose petals are dried partly by laying them on an absorbent material and then after a few days, when the rose petals have shrunk and are half dry, are placed in a jar with layers of salt. This rose salt mixture is stirred every day until the mixture is dry and crumbly. At this time you need to add a fixture to seal in the scents. Together mix the rose salt mixture with spices and essential oils and put the rose mixture in a sealed container and leave for about six weeks to mature and seal in the fragrance.

The dry method is when you take the rose petals and flowers and dry them first. Then, after this part, which takes about ten days, you can mix the rose petals with the fixative and the essential oils and spices and place the rose petals in a sealed container for about six weeks to mature.

Either method is a wonderful way to make your memories of a special gift of flowers last a lifetime.