How to Select Potpourri Ingredients

Experiment with flowers, herbs and spices to achieve the aromas, colors and textures you like - there's lots to choose from.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Geranium Leaves
• Lemon Balm Leaves
• Orrisroots
• Amaranth Blossoms
• Heliotrope Blossoms
• Jasmine Blossoms
• Lavender Blossoms
• Lavender Leaves
• Marigold Blossoms
• Rose Petals
• Rosemary Leaves
• Sage Leaves
• Thyme Leaves
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Coriander Seeds
• Dried Orange Peels
• Mint Leaves
• Essential Oils
• Gum Benzoin
• Lemongrass
• Glass Storage Jars
• Tonka (ground Or Powdered)

1. Try combinations of rose petals, lavender blossoms, jasmine, marigold, heliotrope, amaranth and violets.
2. Use combinations of herbal leaves - geranium, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, thyme and sage.
3. Choose seeds and spices such as cloves, cinnamon, coriander, mace and dried orange peel.
4. Purchase a fixative - orrisroot, tonka or gum benzoin from a health food store or herb shop. You will need 2 to 3 tbsp. per 4 c. potpourri.
5. Select your favorite essential oil to add to the fixative. Because essential oils are so concentrated, you'll only use a few drops.
6. Collect pods and seeds to add texture and color.
7. Have on hand a glass or ceramic jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Tips & Warnings

• Fixatives are either ground or powdered. Ground fixative is more suitable for potpourri that will be placed in clear glass bowls. Powders leave a film on the glass.