Before you consider discarding wilting roses, think again! Transform those fading petals into delightful potpourri, an effortless project that fills your home with a captivating aroma. Plus, potpourri crafted from rose petals is a thoughtful handmade gift.

Here’s how you can make potpourri from spent roses:

1. Prepare the Roses: Gently pluck the petals from your roses.
2. Drying Process: Spread the petals on a mesh or screen, ensuring they are in a warm, dry spot. This might take around 2-3 days for them to dry completely.
3. Other Ingredients: In the meantime, separately dry entire rosebuds, lavender sprigs, rosemary, and pieces of orange peel.
4. Mixing: In a sizable bowl, mix together one cup of dried rose petals, half a cup of dried lavender, a quarter cup of dried rosemary, and some dried rosebuds and orange peels. Season the mixture with an eighth teaspoon each of ground cloves and cinnamon. Introduce a few drops of either rose or lavender essential oil. Lastly, incorporate a quarter teaspoon of a fixative, preferably crushed orris root — a common find in herbal or health food stores. Stir until well combined.
5. Curing: Transfer your fragrant blend into a Mason jar. Seal the opening using cling film. Ensure you stash the jar in a cool, shaded spot for about 6 weeks.
6. Final Touch: After 6 weeks, the potpourri will be ready. Pour it into decorative bowls or keep it in the jar, uncovering when you wish to diffuse the scent. For a more personalized touch, sew the potpourri into sachets, perfect for placing in drawers, wardrobes, or storage containers.