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Make your own pot pourri By Margaret Loewen Craft Specialist Rural Organizations and Services Branch Enjoy the scents of summer in the middle of winter by following these easy directions for mixing up your own potpourri using garden flowers. Traditionally, roses have been us- ed as the basis for most mixtures, as they are sweet-smelling but mild. Medium and dark reds are more strongly perfumed and last the longest. The best varieties are the old garden roses such as Crimson Glory, Mirandi, Rubaiyat, Damask and Provence. A few of the newer varieties (Chrysler Imperial, Fragrant Cloud, Mister Lincoln, and Perfume Delight) also give a good product. Gather a few other flower petals to mix with the roses, Violets, lavender, geranium and carnation are all good choices To preserve the natural colours and oils, collect your petals when they are fully open. early on a warm day after the dew has evaporated, but before the sum gets scorchineg hot. Be careful not to crush or bruise them. Spread the petals to dry on a raisâ€" ed plastic window screen so that the air can circulate around them. Leave them on the screen for approximate- ly two or three days, until they feel dry but not crumbly. Dry each variety separately and store them in closed jars with tightâ€" fitting lids to keep out the moisture. Half a litre (about 2 cups) of a variety of petals is a good amount to collect for your first recipe. When you are ready to make the potpourri, put a mixture of dried petals into a large bowl. A fixative must now be added to blend the scents and make the fragrance last. Orrisroot powder is a common one, available from the florist, garden centre or drug store. Other ingredients which improve the mixture are spices (powdered cloves. powdered allspice or grated nutmeg), fragrant oil, such as oil of rosemary or oil of roses, or, to save money, add some of your favourite rose perfume. To each cup (250 mL) of mixed petals, add 1 tsp. (5 mL) fixative, 1 tsp. (5 mL) spices, and 1 drop of oil or 1 drop of perfume. Toss all ingredients lightly in the bowl; return to one large jar and store for several weeks, stirring or shaking every few days. The potpourri mixture can be used for sachets. room fresheners, or in wall decorations. Watch for instruc- tions for small gift items using pot- pourri in the summer issue. ll