Potpourri - An Indoor Garden

For many years now, even centuries, people have used plants for aromas. Egyptians used to carry bouquets and also burned plants in their homes for their aromas, or put some pleasant-smelling plants on their floors. In the biblical days, Pious Pharisees put mint in the temples to create "a sweet smell before the Lord." For some of us the climate of our geographical area doesn't allow us to grow fresh plants the whole year-round, but by making potpourris, we can still have their great aromas.

A potpourri is a combination of dried, flowers, leaves, seeds, stems and roots. Many plants can be used in potpourris. When selecting the plants and flowers for your garden next year, take into acount their aromatic values for later harvesting for a potpourri.

The scent of a potpourri is based on the aromatic oils found in the plants. These oils are not only found in the flowers, however, they are at their peak as the plant begins to flower. This would be an ideal time to harvest some of the leaves and flowers. Harvest them in the moning right after the dew has disapeared.

Once you have harvested them, dry them in a airy, dry & warm room. Do not put them in direct sunlight. Spread them out on a plastic rack so that they dry thoroughly avoiding mildew. Drying at a high temperature could destroy the aromatic oils.

The most common and easiest to make is the dry potpourri. A fixative is needed to absorb the aromatic oils and release them slowly. You can use finely ground non-iodized pickling salt, orris root, sweet flag, gum benzoin, storax or ambergris. They can be purchased at a drugstores, hobby or herbal stores. Make sure they are finely ground to better absorb the aromatic oils.

Have fun making potpourris, use many different plants and aromas, but not put them all in the same container. Add spices and herbs to enhance the aroma. Experiment with combinations and enjoy the aroma of your garden all year-round.

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