324 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



come up of their own sweet will. The graceful 

 heart-shaped leaves of the Viola odorata and its 

 purple blossoms that open in late April and May 

 are known and loved by every one. Propagate by 

 seed or division, selecting a loose, rich, sandy soil. 



XXII 



Potpourri 



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 pot- 

 pourri. 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 avail- 

 able. 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 hand- 

 fuls 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." 



