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The Shakespeare Garden

Chapter 57: XXII Potpourri
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About This Book

A study of Elizabethan horticulture and the flowers evoked in Shakespeare's plays, this work traces the evolution of medieval enclosed gardens into the Tudor garden of delight, surveys herbalists and the introduction of foreign species, and catalogs the blossoms and folk lore Shakespeare references. It combines close readings of period sources with lists of historically accurate varieties and old common names, and concludes with practical, period-sensitive guidance for recreating an authentic garden layout, choosing appropriate plants, and arranging color and scent according to early modern gardening practices.

As the ladies of Shakespeare's time were so fond of making potpourri, I think it may be of value to place here an old recipe, which any one who has a garden can follow:

"Many fragrant flowers and leaves can be used in the making of an old-fashioned bowl of potpourri. Those usually employed are rose-petals, lavender, lemon-plant, verbena, myrtle, rosemary, bay, mignonette, violets, pinks and syringa. Thyme, mint and other sweet herbs should be used, if available. Shred the larger leaves and dry all in the sun. Mix an ounce of orris-root, allspice, bay-salt and cloves and mix freely with about twelve handfuls of the dried petals and leaves and store in a jar, or bowl. A small quantity of essence of lemon and spirits of lavender may be added, but are not necessary. Should the mixture become too moist, add more powdered orris-root."