Guide to Tuning Your Flower Bouquets into Potpourri
Transforming a flower bouquet into potpourri is an excellent way to preserve its beauty and fragrance. Follow these steps to create your own potpourri from your fresh blooms.
Materials Needed
Dried flower petals (from your bouquet)
Dried herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or mint)
Essential oils (optional, for intensified fragrance)
Fixatives (such as orris root powder or ground cloves)
A bowl or container for mixing
Airtight jar or sachets for storage
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Dry Your Flowers
Prepare the Flowers: Start by removing the flowers from the bouquet. Remove any leaves, stems, or unwanted parts, preserving only the petals and blooms you wish to use.
Drying Method: There are various methods to dry your flowers:
Air Drying: Tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for about 2-3 weeks.
Oven Drying: Spread the petals on a baking tray and place them in an oven at a low temperature (around 65-80°C) for a couple of hours, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Silica Gel: Submerge flowers in silica gel for several days to absorb moisture quickly.
2. Prepare Other Ingredients
Dried Herbs: Collect and dry aromatic herbs that complement the flowers. This will enhance the scent.
Fixatives: Add fixatives to your mix to help maintain the fragrance for a longer period. Orris root powder is a popular choice, but you can experiment with ground spices like cinnamon or cloves.
3. Mix Your Potpourri
In a clean bowl, combine the dried flower petals, herbs, and fixative. Use a ratio of 2 parts petals to 1 part herbs and fixative.
If desired, add a few drops of essential oil to intensify the fragrance. Stir gently to mix.
4. Age Your Potpourri
Seal the mixture in an airtight jar or container for about two to three weeks. This allows the scents to mingle and develop further. Shake the jar occasionally to mix the contents.
5. Display Your Potpourri
Once aged, place your potpourri in decorative bowls, sachets, or sachet bags.
Maintenance
To revitalise the aroma over time, occasionally add a few drops of essential oil or gently mix the potpourri to release the fragrances.
Singapore florist tips
Using your flower bouquet to create potpourri is a simple and rewarding process. Not only does it prolong the life of your flowers, it also adds a lovely, natural fragrance to your home. Enjoy your beautifully crafted potpourri!
