Fallen pine cones, bark and dry leaves form the perfect base for a colourful and fragrant potpourri. Here’s how to make it yourself at home.
Potpourri (pronounced ‘poh-puree’) is a wonderful way to bring the fragrance of nature indoors and connect you with the natural world during the colder months. Keep an eye out while walking for things you can dry out and add, such as pine cones, woody herbs such as rosemary, pretty bark, rosehips and seedheads such as teasel – although be sure to leave some for wild birds, who rely on it as a winter food source. Dried orange and lime rounds can be reused as Christmas tree decorations once the festive season begins.
In the spring and summer, place petals, leaves and buds from plants such as roses, bay, lavender, and seedheads from nigella and poppies onto kitchen roll or paper, and leave to dry in a kitchen window. Pinecones are available all year round. At this time of year, you can use more floral essential oils such as geranium, rose or jasmine to create a fresh, light feeling inside the house.
Looking for more autumn craft ideas? Find out how to make autumn leaf tealight jars, how to preserve autumn leaves and berries, and how to make an autumnal wreath.