Editing Potpourri (section)

== History ==
[[File:Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory - Potpourri Vase (Vase potpourri à vaisseau) - Walters 48559.jpg|thumb|Potpourri vase]] Potpourri has been used in rooms since ancient times, in a variety of ways, including just scattering it on the floor. In early 17th-century [[France]], fresh [[herbs]] and flowers were gathered—beginning in spring and continuing throughout the summer. The herbs were left for a day or two to become limp, then layered with coarse [[sea salt]]. The aging mixture was stirred occasionally as layers were added to it. Often the mixture would [[Fermentation (biochemistry)|ferment]] or even mold as the summer went by. In fall, spices would be added to the unsightly grey mix until a pleasant fragrance was achieved. Then, scent-preserving fixatives (see below) were added. The finished potpourri was set out in special pots with perforated lids to perfume rooms.{{Citation needed|reason=No citation is given for use since ancient times, the layers of flowers and salt, the mold, or the mixing other other spaces.|date=October 2021}}

Much modern potpourri consists of any decoratively shaped dried plant material (not necessarily from scented plants) with strong natural and synthetic [[perfume]]s (and often colored [[dye]]s) added, with the scent often bearing no relation to the plant material used. Sometimes, items that do not originate from plants are mixed in with the potpourri, to give it bulk and to make it more aesthetically pleasing. It is possible to spray scents onto potpourri; however, a fixative is needed so that the scent is absorbed for slow release. Generally, [[orris root]] is used for this purpose.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grant|first=Amy|title=Potpourri Garden Plants: Creating A Potpourri Herb Garden|url=https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/creating-potpourri-herb-garden.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319013214/https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/creating-potpourri-herb-garden.htm|archive-date=2018-03-19|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Gardening Know How|date=4 July 2014 }}</ref>