The modern definition of potpourri is a mixture of dried, fragrant plant materials, including lavender flowers, rose petals, lemon-scented leaves, jasmine blossoms, lemon peel, cloves and mint. The potpourri of Regency times, however, was often made by layering the ingredients with salt in a jar and leaving them to ferment for a month or even a year before fixatives were added and the scented mix transferred to specially designed pots with perforated lids. The word potpourri actually translated as rotten pot!
I think I’ll stick to drying, starting with the ‘Roseraie de l’Haÿ’ petals gathered on a hot, sunny day. To dry thoroughly, potpourri ingredients should be placed in a single layer on a tray or slatted base and placed somewhere warm, dark and dry, such as an airing cupboard.…
