Aromatic Herbs

The aromatic qualities of dried flowers and leaves are very important. Aromatic herbs have been used in the home for pot-pourris for many centuries to scent a room gently or deodorize unpleasant smells, and the natural antiseptic qualities of some herbs can protect against unwanted insects, whether they be moths, fleas or worse!

These plants look lovely as a collection of fresh flowers or leaves in a posy. You could also plant them around a seating area in the garden so you can enjoy their scents while you relax.
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1. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla)

Once dried, the leaves give a delicious scent to pot-pourris and can also be used to scent ink and writing paper. The essential oil is often used in perfumes. The leaves smell delicious when rubbed.
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2. Clove pink (Dianthus caryophyllus)

These flowers look very decorative in the garden and have a lovely distinctive perfume. They can be dried and used in pot-pourris.
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3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is a very necessary ingredient of pot-pourris as it features in many recipes. It has a number of other aromatic uses around the house, particularly when made into sachets and bunches.
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4. Bergamot (Monarda didyma)

Both the flowers and the leaves can be used when dry in pot-pourris. The scarlet flowers retain their color well.
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5. Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

The creamy flowers and dark green leaves look pretty in pot-pourris and the leaves are particularly aromatic.
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6. Scented geranium (Pelargonium)

The leaves are very strongly fragranced and make a delightful addition to sachets, pillows and open pot-pourris. There are various scented pelargoniums to choose from and all are equally useful, so it is just a matter of personal taste as to which ones you grow.
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7. Sweet violet (Viola odorata)

This is a lovely flower to use in floral waters and perfumes. Dry both the flowers and the leaves to add to pot-pourris.
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8. Rose (Rosa sp.)

These flowers are a vital ingredient of this collection–particularly the old-fashioned scented varieties. both the petals and hips are useful for pot-pourris. Rose petals have been the basis for all types of pot-pourris through the ages.
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9. French marigold (Tagetes patula)

The leaves of the different varieties have different scents, some orange, some lemon. Both the scented leaves and the colored flowers are good for pot-pourris.
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10. Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

This is a pretty plant for the garden. Angelica seed gives off a lovely smell when burnt and the leaves and roots are useful for pot-pourris.
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