**Article written by Angela Mason,  Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer of Beaufort County**

There’s something deeply satisfying about walking into a room and being greeted by a subtle, natural fragrance—the kind that whispers instead of shouts. In a world filled with artificial air fresheners and plug-ins, homemade potpourri offers a gentler, more personal way to freshen your home. And the best part? Much of what you need is already growing in your yard.

Potpourri is a centuries-old method of preserving fragrance using dried flowers, herbs, and spices. Whether tucked into a bowl on a bedside table, sealed in sachets for drawers, or shared as gifts, homemade potpourri is an easy and elegant way to bring your garden indoors.

Choosing Your Plant Materials

When creating potpourri, you’re looking for ingredients that are aromatic, colorful, or textural. Fragrance is the star, but visual appeal matters too—especially if your potpourri will be displayed in open bowls.

Here are some garden-friendly favorites for potpourri-making:

Fragrant Flowers:

• Roses: Classic and rich. Dry the petals separately and gently.
• Lavender: Clean, calming scent with long-lasting fragrance.
• Lilacs & honeysuckle: Great for short-term blends, though less potent when dried.
• Chamomile: Gentle and apple-like aroma; also adds softness to the mix.
• Geranium (scented varieties): Leaves rather than blooms are used—try rose, lemon, or nutmeg-scented geraniums.

Herbs:

• Mint: Bright and clean; best used in small amounts.
• Rosemary: Woody and fresh; holds its scent well when dried.
• Lemon balm and lemon verbena: Adds a citrusy sparkle.
• Thyme and sage: Earthy, grounding scents that work well in autumnal blends.

Other Garden Additions:

• Citrus peel: Dehydrate lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels for color and brightness.
• Pinecones, seed pods, or acorns: These add texture and help anchor the mixture visually.
• Bay leaves or eucalyptus (if available): Add depth and longevity to the scent profile.

Remember to avoid any plant that has been treated with pesticides, as you’ll be handling and breathing in these materials often.

Harvesting and Drying

Pick your materials on a dry day, ideally in mid-morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day causes essential oils to dissipate. For most ingredients, air drying is sufficient. Spread flowers and herbs on a screen or paper towel in a single layer and place them in a well-ventilated, dark space. This helps preserve both color and scent.

Drying time varies: petals and leaves typically take one to two weeks, while citrus peels and woody herbs may take longer. You’ll know they’re ready when the plant parts are crisp and no longer pliable.

Blending and Curing

Once everything is fully dry, you can begin to mix your ingredients. Aim for a balance of scent, color, and texture. Start with a base of dried petals and herbs, then layer in citrus peel, seed pods, or decorative bits like cinnamon sticks or cloves.

To deepen and prolong the scent, you’ll want to use a fixative. Fixatives absorb and hold essential oils, helping your potpourri stay fragrant for weeks or even months. Common natural fixatives include:

• Orris root powder: Traditional and effective, though it can be pricey.
• Crushed oak moss or dried rosemary: Easy to find alternatives.
• Ground spices (cloves, cinnamon, allspice): Adds scent and acts as a mild fixative.

To supercharge your potpourri, consider adding a few drops of essential oil—lavender, rose, orange, or cedarwood are great options. Sprinkle the oil on the fixative and stir it into the mix.

After blending, seal your potpourri in a glass jar or airtight container and let it cure for about two weeks. This resting period helps the scents marry and intensify. Give the jar a gentle shake every few days.

Displaying and Enjoying

Once cured, your potpourri is ready to use! You can:

• Place it in decorative bowls in living areas or bathrooms.
• Tuck it into muslin or cotton sachets for drawers, closets, or cars.
• Add it to gift bags or tie it in tulle bundles for party favors or hostess gifts.

Keep potpourri out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to prolong its shelf life. If the scent begins to fade over time, revive it with a few extra drops of essential oil.

Suggested Reading:

• The Fragrant Year by Helen Van Pelt Wilson & Leonie Bell
• The Scented Garden: Creating Fragrant Outdoor Rooms by Rosemary Verey
• The Aromatherapy Garden: Growing Fragrant Plants for Happiness and Well-Being by Kathi Keville

Conclusion: Savoring the Scents of Home

Making your own potpourri isn’t just about fragrance—it’s about preserving a bit of your garden’s essence. The roses from June, the lavender from July, the rosemary cut in early autumn—each blend tells a story. In a world that moves fast, crafting potpourri invites us to slow down, observe, and savor.

So, the next time you’re deadheading roses, trimming herbs, or picking up wind-fallen pinecones, consider setting a few aside. You might just find that your garden’s most lasting gift isn’t what you see, but what you smell, long after the blooms have faded.

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.