There's been little opportunity for outdoor gardening over the last couple of weeks. The weather hasn't tempted us outdoors even though there are jobs aching to be tackled.
Our main seed order has been sent off but there are always a few additions to be made. New ideas always pop into mind especially during periods of enforced periods of inactivity.
Fantastic idea. Maybe a little dried citrus peel, can't remember if you grow lemons? I wonder if pinks would dry nicely, they have a lovely scent. And everlasting flowers, which I don't think smell but would look pretty. Can't think of their proper name off hand. I shall look forward to seeing how it goes.
We don't grow lemons but I could buy some. I think the everlasting flowers are helichrysums, CJ I was planning to add the perfume with some essential oils.
It's never actually been a chamber pot UC just a designed based on one. It's smaller than a chamber pot. Maybe I should have described it as a giant cup. :-)
And roses/rose petals! I've also dried peony blossoms and they kept their vibrant pink colour. "Growing" your own pot-pourri is a great idea. I'm adding a couple of new plants this year that are specifically for drying for winter arrangements, including a couple of varieties of statice.
Rose petals I could do but I don't have any peonies, Margaret. There are dried bay leaves in the original but I don't have a bay tree either. I did think I'd maybe try statice too.
My Auntie Elsie at Crosland Moor Huddersfield had an outside privy and as a child her chamber pot was a boon. I believe the product was good for the rhubarb. (just made that one up)
What a good idea! I am going to save my prunings and dry them! I have a wash basin and water pitcher in my bedroom just waiting for some potpourri.
Some tips: if you use lemons or oranges, grate the skins first, it is only the top colored layer that has the essential oils. I dried ingredients in the oven between two cake racks when it had a pilot light. Now ovens are useless for raising bread and drying plants because of electric pilot lights which also don't work during power outages. Wikipedia has a good list of common plants used. Look up potpourri#plants_used
Are you planning to put in orris root? I thought it required a special iris but I see that the wikipedia article indicates that it is made with Iris germanica or Iris pallida root. I am not quite sure how you would grind it though.
Oh it's great to be planning a project during these long dark winter days and nights Sue. I make a seasonal pot pourri using dried orange slices, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves but they are all aromas that you would associate with winter. I do have a little book on the subject with various recipes. There is a comprehensive list of suggestions of flowers, herbs and spices that you can use which I could copy and email to you.
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Fantastic idea. Maybe a little dried citrus peel, can't remember if you grow lemons? I wonder if pinks would dry nicely, they have a lovely scent. And everlasting flowers, which I don't think smell but would look pretty. Can't think of their proper name off hand. I shall look forward to seeing how it goes.
ReplyDeleteWe don't grow lemons but I could buy some. I think the everlasting flowers are helichrysums, CJ I was planning to add the perfume with some essential oils.
DeleteI do wonder slightly about a culture that now values chamber pots as decorative items ;) But your homemade pot pourri project sounds great!
ReplyDeleteIt's never actually been a chamber pot UC just a designed based on one. It's smaller than a chamber pot. Maybe I should have described it as a giant cup. :-)
DeleteAdds a new dimension to the term "potting on"... :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Mark a potty idea.
DeleteAnd roses/rose petals! I've also dried peony blossoms and they kept their vibrant pink colour. "Growing" your own pot-pourri is a great idea. I'm adding a couple of new plants this year that are specifically for drying for winter arrangements, including a couple of varieties of statice.
ReplyDeleteRose petals I could do but I don't have any peonies, Margaret. There are dried bay leaves in the original but I don't have a bay tree either. I did think I'd maybe try statice too.
DeleteMy Auntie Elsie at Crosland Moor Huddersfield had an outside privy and as a child her chamber pot was a boon. I believe the product was good for the rhubarb. (just made that one up)
ReplyDeleteI had an auntie Elsie with an outside toilet too. I don't know about rhubarb but once we saw a plot holder squatting on the top of her compost heap.
DeleteWhat a good idea! I am going to save my prunings and dry them! I have a wash basin and water pitcher in my bedroom just waiting for some potpourri.
ReplyDeleteSome tips: if you use lemons or oranges, grate the skins first, it is only the top colored layer that has the essential oils. I dried ingredients in the oven between two cake racks when it had a pilot light. Now ovens are useless for raising bread and drying plants because of electric pilot lights which also don't work during power outages. Wikipedia has a good list of common plants used. Look up potpourri#plants_used
We have an electric oven too, Jane. Thanks for the tips - I'll head for Wikipedia.
DeleteSounds like a lovely idea. What about some dried herbs too?
ReplyDeleteHerbs are a good idea, Margaret.
Deletejust don't put it near a buffet table ~ someone might eat it thinking it's vegetable crisps!
ReplyDeleteThat's a thought to bring a smile.
DeleteAre you planning to put in orris root? I thought it required a special iris but I see that the wikipedia article indicates that it is made with Iris germanica or Iris pallida root. I am not quite sure how you would grind it though.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't planning on that Alain. No actual plans at the moment just exploring options.
DeleteWhat a good idea! Fruits and herbs would be a lovely addition too.xxx
ReplyDeleteI’m considering anything, Dina so thanks
DeleteOh it's great to be planning a project during these long dark winter days and nights Sue. I make a seasonal pot pourri using dried orange slices, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves but they are all aromas that you would associate with winter. I do have a little book on the subject with various recipes. There is a comprehensive list of suggestions of flowers, herbs and spices that you can use which I could copy and email to you.
ReplyDeleteThat would be great, Anna as long as it’s not too much trouble
DeleteWill be in touch in the next few days Sue :)
DeleteGood idea, Sue and nice old fashioned chamber pot :-0
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Martin!
Sounds like a great project Sue! Wishing you both good health and allotment produce in 2018 - a belated Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shirley. I've spotted a packet of mixed flowers for drying that could make a good start.
Delete