How to make potpourri?

Question

Sometimes I get roses from friends or family, but after a while they get bad and I dont want to just throw them away. Anybody know how to make a nice, long lasting potpourri from it?

Serious answer only please.

Answer 1

OK, the first thing to do is not to let them go bad. Enjoy them for a day, then hang them upside down to dry. Or, you can simply take off the petals, dry them in a single layer on a flat tray (or shoebox lid), then collect them in an airtight bottle. Don't leave them in direct sunlight.

You can add chamomile flowers (from chamomile tea bags, if no other source), lavender buds, and rosemary to make a very nice smelling potpourri. But, it is rather mild. You may need to pump it up with a few drops of essential oils. Keep the potpourri in an airtight pot when you aren't scenting the room, and it will keep longer.

There's a more traditional potpourri you can make where you actually rot the petals and preserve them in brandy. It's called a Beau Catcher, and you only open it when you want the room scented.

Here's a site with more details about making rose potpourri:

http://www.chamomiletimes.com/articles/rosepotpourri.htm

Answer 2

Hire an illegal immigrant to do it for you.