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What is a pot-pourri?
A pot-pourri is a mixture of dried herbs, which smells good and
looks pretty. It is an ornament and air-freshener all in
one. It is usually placed around the house in attractive jars
or bowls.
The word 'pot-pourri' comes from the French meaning 'rotten
pot'. In Medieval times people made a moist pot-pourri from
fresh herbs. Today we usually use dried herbs.
Making a pot-pourri
First collect some containers
- You can use bowls, jars and small baskets. Or you could
decorate some yoghurt pots or small cardboard boxes.
- Some containers have holes in the sides to let the fragrances
out.
- Some have lids to keep the scent in when the room is not being
used.
Collect a mixture of different ingredients
- Use dried leaves, flowers, bark, seeds or berries.
- Choose ingredients that have interesting colours, shapes,
textures or even sounds, when you run your fingers through them!
- Choose herbs and spices that smell nice together.
Stir them together
- Mix in a bowl using your hands.
- Check your results. Do you need to add more of anything?
- Go to next step when the mixture is just as you want it.
Place in containers
- Place it carefully in your container.
- Arrange some of the interesting ingredients by shape and
colour.
- Cover it with clingfilm to stop it spilling if you are
carrying it home from school.
Some ideas for pot-pourri ingredients
- Leaves - mint, lemon balm, sage, thyme, rosemary,
marjoram.
- Flowers - lavender, rose,
geranium, nasturtium, pansy, primrose, polyanthus, violet, pot
marigold (calendula) sunflower petals, lilac, heather. Click
to see note on drying flowers.
- Fruits - dried orange, lime, or lemon peel, dried
hawthorn berries.
- Spices - cinnamon sticks, whole nutmegs, cardamom pods.
History 
The Elizabethans liked pot-pourris to ward of bad smells and
germs.
The Romans used scented herbs in their homes. They usually
used the strewing method. They strewed (covered) the floors of
their homes with different sweet smelling herbs, which also repelled
insects. They also had under floor heating. This warmth
made the beautiful perfumes smell stronger.
Each morning the strewing herbs on the floors were swept up and
used to light the fire. New fresh herbs were then laid
down. Oregano was part of the mixture because it kept away
ants, mice and rats, especially in the kitchen area.
Check out our History page
to learn more.
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Selection of drying plants and leaves to use in a
pot-pourri
A completed pot-pourri mixture in a bowl
A selection of bowls and baskets you could use for
your pot-pourri
Spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods
and whole nutmeg may be used in pot-pourris
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