GARDENING GIVES BACK: Fall Herb Harvest for Holiday Potpourri Giving

                      

 

I am an "accidental gardener." If it lives and thrives it is nature doing the work. Gardening has never been a highly conscious activity for me; I don't plan or labor over it too much. The rest of my creative design world is about concepts, theory,  and planning. A day in the "green" allows me to just go with it; an exercise of intuition and surrender. Sure, the right amounts of nitrogen or phosphate, scientifically applied, can't hurt. Interestingly, it should be noted, the more kindly I care for them the better they do. It seems that everything on the planet responds to the sunlight of love and good intentions. In fact, the more positive my thoughts are about my plantings, the faster they grow!  I used to say "I am the Dr. Kervorkian of gardening" and that appeared to be true. They drooped and withered.  I now shower my little friends with optimistic touches and have become the "Florence Nightingale" of herbs.  This year I have a wonderful bounty to use in cooking and to dry for potpourri. 

                   Basic Potpourri

In a small bowl put your fixative which is orris root.
(Orris Root helps to hold the scent, this is why it is called a fixative)
Now is the time to add any other powders like cinnamon, or nutmeg, or other spices.
Add 7-9 drops of fragrance oil or essential oil per 1 tablespoon of orris root.
Mix this together really well and then store in an airtight container for 1-7 days. 
The longer you store the stronger it gets.

After your orris root has cured , mix your other ingredients together.
Add your orris root fixative to the other dry ingredients
Place in an airtight container and leave in a dark place for 4-6 weeks.
Shake the container daily
After the curing time, transferr the potpourri to your decorative container of choice.

 

               

Above, clockwise from center left: boxwood basil, rosemary, lavender and blooming italian basil. Click on Orris Root, above, to order the preservative from Eden Botanicals. Here is one potpourri recipe I intend to use for holiday giving:                                                        

                                                                                     Lady Victorian
                                                                                        lavender buds
                                                                                   rosebuds and petals
                                                                                        colored babu
                                                                                   angel wings colored
                                                                                  straw flowers colored
                                                                         scent with lavender or rose or musk

Lavender Aroma Therapy Healing: This scent is known for its ability to calm nerves and relieve stress. What a great gift to give anyone in our frenzied world! And especially during the holidays.

Happy Pink Saturday & Metamorphosis Monday, friends! I have missed you. Don't you just love those pink basil blossoms?

POSTED: Kelee Katillac

Comments

[Susie Jefferson]

What a lovely idea, and how kind to give the recipe as well. Must give this a try. Happy Pink Saturday from the UK!

[Joni Cobb]

Beautiful photos and herbs Kelee! I garden like you do... the best I can.

[Kimmy W.]

Hello Kelee,

Thank-you for sharing something from your garden and home. I think there si nothing more special than growing food for oneself. The cycle of life does teach us a lot to contemplate and learn from too. The basil and lavander are so pretty and fragrant too.

Thanks for sharing!

:) Kimmy

[Sherry]

Hi Kelee Sweetie...
What a gorgeous share today. I too have lavender in bloom. I just can't bring myself to cut on it. I am to happy seeing it bloom in the garden right now.

I have never tried making my own potpourri. I can't thank you enough for the wonderful share sweetie.

Hope you are well. I think of you often sweet friend. Many hugs and so much love, Sherry

[Beverley Collins]

hopped on over from Pink Saturday. Thank you for this tutorial. I'm wondering where to get orris root in the US? (I made an orange and clove pomander last year and without the orris root it does smell a little odd...like mouldy orange even though it dried out perfectly, )In the UK, I'd just buy it at an old fashioned chemists, but I can't find it here. Anyone any ideas?

[Sonia]

Hi Kelee! I love and grow herbs and lavender..what a great gift idea to share with neighbors and friends!! Thanks for your sweet visit. Mr. T has been in our yard for about 5 years...my hubbie says he's probably been around much longer! I worry about him every winter and then in the spring he makes an appearance!
Miss Bloomers

[Beverley Collins]

Oh! Thank you for popping over and your kind comment and yes, I really ought to use my internet more for shopping.It would be easier on the gas mileage! I'll go google it at once! Thank you

[Trudy @ home design.com]

Hi Design Team:

I am very interested in volunteering. Can you let me know how to proceed?
Love this site, your videos and ideas!

Best, Tru

[Kelee Katillac]

Hi Trudy! We wil indeed send you an applicatio via email. Thank-you for your interest and having a heart for "giving back"... love, kelee

[herbal incense]

Herb harvesting is kind of interesting thing.
I like growing herbs in my garden..by this you get a chance to use fresh herbs in your diet.

[Beverley Collins]

Thank you so much for the link for orris root. I really appreciate your taking the time to add it to this post.