How to Make Moist Potpourri

Moist potpourri has a stronger aroma than dry potpourri. Instead of dried plants, use flowers and leaves that are partially dried and that are soft and leathery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Geranium Leaves
• Orrisroots
• Amaranth Blossoms
• Chamomile Flowers
• Heliotrope Blossoms
• Jasmine Blossoms
• Lavender Blossoms
• Lavender Leaves
• Marigold Blossoms
• Rose Petals
• Rosemary Leaves
• Sage Leaves
• Thyme Leaves
• Weights Or Rock
• Noniodized Salt
• Spices
• Gum Benzoin
• Tonka
• large-mouth, covered jars
• nontransparent, covered containers

1. Place 1/2 inch of partially dried leaves and petals into a large-mouth jar that can be covered tightly with a lid.
2. Sprinkle noniodized salt on top to cover the leaves and petals.
3. Layer another 1/2 inch of partially dried leaves and petals and sprinkle with noniodized salt.
4. Repeat the layering process, making sure to pack the mixture firmly, until the jar is 3/4 full.
5. Place a nonmetallic weight or a plate over the mixture. Place a rock on top to pack it down and seal.
6. Let sit for a day or two until the salt draws the moisture from the mixture and rises to the top.
7. Stir the leaves, petals and moisture together. Let cure, undisturbed, for 10 days in the closed jar.
8. Break up the cake to remove clumps after 10 days - or when the mixture has formed a moist cake.
9. Add spices, seeds and a fixative such as orrisroot, tonka or gum benzoin. The typical measurement is 2 to 3 tbsp. fixative per 4 c. petals.
10. Place potpourri in a nontransparent container and cover. Uncover to release the fragrance.

Tips & Warnings

• Because this process results in color loss, moist potpourri is usually set out in a nontransparent container.