Dark skies and pink blooms
A painted turtle slides home
The calm of the storm
Today the world is alive with fragrance. Rains have soaked the sandy grounds and wild roses are in bloom. When the sun shines, blankets of pine needles emit a sweet candy-like smell. Now imagine walking along a gravel road with roses on one side and pines on the other… wonderful, huh? Here’s a simple plan for capturing that moment…
What you’ll need:
2 containers: one for rose petals and one for pine needles
2 cooking trays
A sunny deck or window sill
What to do
- Find a patch of wild roses. They love to grow along the roadsides! Collect a handful or two of pale pink petals that appear a bit wilted. Harvest from roses that are on their way out instead of from new blooms; the petals come more easily off the bush. Put the petals in a container or bag.
- Find a grove of pine trees. Look along the roadside for orange needles. Collect a handful or two of dry pine needles.
- In a shallow cooking pan, lay out the petals and needles. Put the pan in a sunny spot and allow your bounty to dry out for a day or two. Rotate the pan and fluff the contents.
- Once dry, layer the roses and needles in a small mason jar.
- Whenever you need a break or refresher—smell the roses and needles!
Fun tips
Use other natural materials as well. You can even add some sand or soil.
Rose and pine potpourri makes an excellent present for someone who loves the Adirondacks!
Studies have shown that the smell of earth makes us happier and healthier (certainly works for me).
If you can’t get outside as much as you’d like to, bring the outside inside. This is a great addition to an office desk.
