They also provide a winter food source for many birds. For an unusual holiday gift from the garden, consider small containers of homemade potpourri. The following recipe is easy to follow. If you were unable to collect and dry flowers from your garden this summer, you can still obtain ingredients from a florist and drying the petals. Dried flowers also may be purchased at hobby and craft stores.
Fresh herbs are usually available in the produce section of larger supermarkets.
Holiday Potpourri 3 quarts mixed scented ingredients such as dried rose petals, lavender flowers and leaves, lemon thyme, rosemary and mint 1 quart mixed decorative ingredients such as dried blue hydrangea clusters, yarrow, goldenrod, artemisia flowers and leaves, feverfew, etc. In a small bowl, pour the scented oil directly onto the orris root. Wear rubber gloves and thoroughly mix the oil and orris root together with a gloved finger. Let stand for 30 minutes to allow the oil to be absorbed. Stir the oil mixture into the dried materials.