A Fading Rose

My dad's last gift to me.

The Knockout Rose by Balisha

This knockout rose was pretty just a week or two ago..

She bloomed and bloomed her heart out and I loved her so.

She came into my garden and she was so very fine..

I was proud to have this rose and then to call her mine.

Fall has come and with it frost..her petals on the ground..

I'll slip into the garden and never make a sound.

To scoop up petals to remember what she meant to me..

I'll put them in my little jar of fragrant potpourri.

They will stay right there beside me memories they will bring..

The room will smell like roses until the coming spring.

On one warm day I'll go outside and right before my eyes..

A sweet pink bud will be there a happy spring surprise.

Step 1: Begin by mixing ingredients together in a large bowl. Potpourri should primarily be composed of fragrant herbs and flowers, for example lavender, lemon balm, rose, sweet pea and rosemary. To provide accent colors, up to a quarter of the dried flowers can be tulip, rose or peony petals, bachelor's button and/or foxglove. Choose additional brightly colored flowers to intensify desired color

Step 2
Smell the mixture. When the blend of scents is satisfactory, continue on to the next step. If not, try adjusting the ratios of different herbs until you are pleased.
Step 3
Pour mixture into a covered container.
Step 4
Store 4 to 6 weeks in a cool, dark area to allow the scent to develop. Shake or stir every 2 to 3 days.
Step 5
Arrange potpourri in dishes, trays, baskets or glass jars. Use potpourri to fill sachets.

I have a jar that my dad made for me when he was in the nursing home. They took the mason jar and filled it with potpourri. A lace doily was put on top and tied around with a burgundy ribbon. It is a keepsake for me and I just keep adding to it each fall. I keep in on the table in the living room. I remember my garden and also my Dad's face, when he gave it to me. He was so proud, because he had never done anything "crafty."

Balisha