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Making Your Own Potpourri

There are 2 methods for making potpourri. The dry method entails complete drying of all ingredients and will keep the color best. The moist method is often used when adding roses and preserves the scent best, but discolors the petals. This potpourri should be used in an opaque container.

The Dry Method
Collect flowers just after they've opened when the dew has lifted. Spread them on a tray and place in a warm, shady, dry area where there is air circulation. When the petals are dry and crisp, mix them with a fixative like orris root (some drug stores have this) and place in an air tight jar. Use about l oz. orris root to 2 pints dried petals. If you throw in a small package of Silica Gel (from a florist) it will ensure complete dryness.

Moist Method
Gather and spread petals to partially dry, not crisp and dried out as above. It takes about 48 hours. Make a half inch layer of petals then sprinkle over with a little sea salt and repeat until the jar is about two thirds full. Allow l cup of salt to 2 of petals. The jar can be filled over a period of a few days, but stir the contents before adding fresh layers. Keep the jar tightly closed and in a dark place for about l0 days. Take out the mass of dried petals, separate and toss, like making a salad. Place in an attractive container.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted by permission HouseNet, Inc.

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