HOW TO MAKE A ROSE POTPOURRI
The Cottonwoods have started to blow. It's time.
The Cottonwoods have started to blow. It's time.
Painting by Herbert James Draper, 1897, Private Collection
Gather ye roses while ye may
Old time is still a flying
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying
(From a poem by Robert Herrick)
Rosa Rugosas at our home, StoneHouse.
You'll need a ceramic bowl. I'm using a Wedgwood Ironstone Soup Tureen form the 19th C.
Pick flower petals from the bush and place them in the bowl.
Grand-dog Jackson is wondering what we are doing.
The Hansa Variety of Rosa Rugosa has a double flower.
I think it is the strongest rose scent and works so well with this recipe.
You may use any older variety of rose for this potpourri.
You'll need some coarse ground salt. Any type will do.
Sprinkle the rose petals with 1/4 inch layer of salt.
Find a plate, or a few small saucers to use for weight on top of the petals.
I'm using willow ware saucers from Japan.
Gather more rose petals daily and add them to the bowl. Remember to add a salt layer each time.
Keep layering petals and salt until your bowl is filled up.
Use the plates to weight the layers.
Cover the bowl.
In a few days you'll notice that the petals will give off liquid. No problem.
Just let the petals, salt, and liquid settle.
If in a few weeks you have lots of liquid, then pour it into a small bottle.
This may be used in your bath.
After about four to six weeks your potpourri will begin to dry out.
The salt will hold the beautiful scent of the rose.
This very old recipe for potpourri gives a gentle, natural scent all year long.
I'm keeping my potpourri in the library, on top of the piano.
I'll be able to stop and smell the roses every day.
: )
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