Drying Roses and Making Potpourri
Dried Roses for Arrangements!
For best results, we recommend that you arrange
the roses in a vase with water and floral
preservative, as you would with a regular
arrangement. Let the roses open up until they are
approximately halfway open. if you do not let them
open at all, you end up with very small buds (if
this is what you are looking for, proceed with the
following instructions). After you have allowed the
roses to partially open, remove them from the vase,
tie a string around the bottom of the stems and hang
the bunch upside down in a dry place. It will,
depending on the humidity, take about two weeks for
the roses to completely dehydrate. You will know
when they are dry enough by gently squeezing the
buds. If they are still soft then they are not yet
dry. When the buds are quite firm, you may untie
them and arrange as desired. It is possible to spray
the buds with a 'hardener' (available at many craft
stores), or hairspray, after they have dried. Doing
this will help preserve the flowers and prevent
crumbling.
Potpourri
1. Collect petals from the rose stem as the
flower reaches fully open maturity, but before they
turn brown. Dry them until crisp on a screen, cookie
sheet or any flat surface.
2. For each quart of petals you collect, add 1
tablespoon of fixative. Dry lavender, oakmoss,
sandalwood or orrisroot are good choices and are
available in chopped form at many herb and spice
shops or drug stores.
3. Add your favorite complimentary spice. Cinnamon,
cloves, nutmeg, dried citrus peel and vanilla beans
all make excellent choices.
4. Add a few drops of essential oil (an aroma
additive), or your favorite perfume.
5. Seal your potpourri mixture in a jar allowing it
to mellow for approximately 10 days. To properly
blend the ingredients, shake the jar lightly every
couple of days.
There are many uses for this delightful potpourri.
Red roses, when dried, turn a rich burgundy color
and look lovely in a ginger jar, candy dish, or
antique canister. Add your potpourri to the stuffing
of pillows, or hang it in the pomanders in your
closet. Small sachets can be used in any drawer or
be used as thoughtful little gifts for friends and
loved ones. An easy way to make a rose potpourri
sachet is to place a small handful of the fragrant
mixture in a lace or linen handkerchief or any other
handy fabric and tie up the corners with a satin bow
or ribbon.
Let the gift of roses you receive give you enjoyment
throughout the year by adding delightful fragrance
to every room in your house.
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