Rose and spices pot pourri

Pot pourri is a traditional, natural way to add colour and fragrance to your environment. This one is based on roses and lemon balm.

1 Mixing the petals
Gather together 2-3 cups of dried roses and rose petals, making sure that they have a good colour and are very dry. Add a cup of dried lemon balm leaves and gently mix the ingredients together.

2 Adding the spices
Add 1 cup (in total) of dried coriander seeds, cardamom pods and cloves to the petals and leaves. If you wish, grind the spices roughly with a pestle and mortar first to release their aroma. Add a spoonful of orris root powder to the mix and gently toss everything together.

3 Adding the oils
Add a few drops of rose geranium essential oil or rose fragrance oil to the mix. If you wish to emphasise the spiciness of the combination, also add a few drops of either coriander or clove essential oils.


4 Storing the pot pourri
Place all the ingredients in clean pots or jars. Seal and store in a warm, dry place for up to six weeks to ‘mature’. When it is ready, spoon some of the mixture into a small voile bag and tie with a matching ribbon. Place in your drawers or wardrobe to scent your underwear and clothes.

Variations...
This sweet-smelling pot pourri can also be used to lightly fragrance the rooms in your home. Spoon the matured mixture into a large, attractive shallow dish and enjoy the scent which is released.