Making Potpourri With Dried Flowers

Dried flowers make great arrangements in wreaths, or can give off sensational aromas in potpourris. There are many flowers that are suitable for drying, and these include common annuals, perennials, and even shrubs.

Some of the best dried flowers come from the hydrangea, delphinium, larkspur, roses, salvias, lavender, feverfew, and yarrow. These can be air dried, by hanging them upside down. Be sure to leave plenty of space between them, in order for the air to circulate around them. You can also add other materials to these such as poppy pods, cloud grass, or statice, to make a fuller and more appealing arrangement.

Make sure to choose healthy flowers, and harvest them at the proper stage in order to retain the best color and form. You may need to do some experimenting with different varieties, before you become proficient at it.

Before you arrange the flowers, spray them slightly with water to nake them more pliable. You don't want to end up with a bunch of crumbly stems.

To make potpourri, collect flowers and leaves from the most colorful varieties. Carefully pluck the petals from the flowers, and break up the larger ones into small pieces. Lay them on a window screen or dehydrator to dry. To scent the flowers after they are dry, you can use orrisroot and a scented oil of your choice. Place this in a gallon jar, and swirl them around.

Allow the mixture to sit for about three days, then add the flower petals, dried berries, and leaves that you have broken into pieces. If you want a stronger aroma, you can add more essential oil, and let the mixture set for another week or so. Use the mixture to fill bags, baskets, or small cloths with drawstrings, for use in closets, bathrooms, drawers, or wherever you want some great aroma.