First: Select an appealing mixture of herb leaves and flowers for size, color and scent. For maximum color and fragrance, harvest on a warm, sunny day and carefully cut half-opened blooms.

Then: Air-dry whole flowers by placing them on newspapers in a warm, airy dark spot. Dry flowers still attached to stems by hanging them flower-end down.

Third: Dry leaves by pulling off those that aren't wilted or bruised and spreading them on newspapers, or screens in a warm, airy, dark place. To preserve color, cover flowers in a box of drying powders, such as silica, or in sand.

Fourth: To prevent the evaporation of the oils, and hold the fragrance, add a fixative of one tablespoon chopped orris root, citrus peel, vetiver or storax for each quart of herbs.

Fifth: To enhance the aroma or add an accent aroma, purchase and add an essential oil. Consider dividing the potpourri and adding a different oil to each portion.

Last: Mix the flowers, leaves, fixative and a touch of essential oil and store in an airtight glass or ceramic container in the dark. Shake or stir the mixture once a week. After a month, transfer the potpourri to gift jars or bags.