At this time of year when roses and peonies are in bloom, I love to visit the garden every day, enjoying their scent, and taking a small harvest. I always leave enough to enjoy in situ.
Images courtesy Nicola Stocken.
Making potpourri step by step. Home made spicy citrus Christmas potpourri made from oranges, cinnamon and pine cones.
Making potpourri step by step. Home made potpourri made from flowers cut from the garden.
Making potpourri step by step. Home made potpourri made from flowers cut from the garden.
Making potpourri step by step. The mixture of fragranced orris root and the dried flowers and petals are then stored in an air tight glass jar.
Making potpourri step by step. The mixture of fragranced orris root and the dried flowers and petals are then stored in an air tight glass jar.
Making potpourri step by step. Essential oils are added to the orris root powed fixative to add fragrance.
Making potpourri step by step. Fragranced orris root power is then added to the dried flowers and petals.
Making potpourri step by step. Fragranced orris root power is then added to the dried flowers and petals.
Making potpourri step by step. The mixture of fragranced orris root and the dried flowers and petals are then stored in an air tight glass jar.
Making potpourri step by step. Tying roses to hang for drying for potpurri. Always dry a few whole flowers to put on the top.
Making potpourri step by step. Removing flower petals ready for drying for potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Tying roses to hang for drying for potpurri. Always dry a few whole flowers to put on the top.
Making potpourri step by step. Ruth Ridley removing rose petals ready for drying for potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Peony, roses, marigolds, cornflowers and hardy geranium cut from the garden to make home made potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Flowers and petals ready for drying for potpourri are placed on trays, covered in paper, and placed somewhere warm, dry and airy.
Making potpourri step by step. Once the flowers and petals have dried, orris root power is used as a fixative for the pot pourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Flowers and petals ready for drying for potpourri are placed on trays, covered in paper, and placed somewhere warm, dry and airy.
Making potpourri step by step. Peony, roses, marigolds, cornflowers and hardy geranium cut from the garden to make home made potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Selecting peonies, roses and hardy geraniums to make home made potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Ruth Ridley selecting roses, hardy geranium and cornflowers to make home made potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Selecting peonies to make home made potpourri.
Making potpourri step by step. Fragranced orris root power is then added to the dried flowers and petals.
