In earlier times, with the lack of indoor plumbing plus goat and horse carts in the streets, small nosegays, or "tussie-mussies," of herbs and flowers were carried in the hand or pinned to clothes to freshen the air and mask unwanted odors.
In the Victorian Era certain flowers or herbs were included in tussie-mussie gifts to convey a special message to someone. To decode the message, there were small books that detailed meanings of different herbs and flowers. A list is available in the Herb Sampler or at various sites online.
Today, Tussie-Mussies are often used for small, informal weddings not only assembled to convey wishes but also are less expensive. Flowers or herbs for wedding vow renewals are often selected with personal memories considered. On these bouquets personal or meaningful items can be attached to the streamers.
Creating a tussie-mussie for a hostess, graduation, shower, or special occasion gift is easy. Make selections from the herb and flower garden, choosing one or a few center flowers and other filler from greens such as mints, parsley, and oregano. This is a small bouquet and not many stems are needed. Tussie-mussies are meant to last for just one day and should be kept in water until presented to the recipient.
Baby christening: white rose bud (purity) surrounded by lavender (luck and purity), mint (cheerfulness and virtue) baby’s breath (festivity), and sage (good health, long life).
Graduation: black-eyed Susan (encouragement) centered among baby's breath and parsley (festivity), sweet basil (best wishes), marjoram (joy and happiness) and yarrow (good health).
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| Lavender-Luck, undying love, purity |
Cut the stems about a 4-5", strip the lower leaves, and put the stems in water. Start at the center with the main flower and gather the other flowers and filler around it. Keep it small!
Wrap floral tape around the stems starting about 2" from the bottom and working up, securing it with a straight pin. Trim the bottom of the stems evenly.
A paper doily or cone can be used and decorated for the occasion to slip over the stems. Or just wrap the stems with ribbon, lace or raffia starting from 1” from the bottom. Other embellishments such as beads, charms or trailing ribbon can be added. Consider adding something with a personal meaning for the recipient. A card listing the meanings of the herbs can be enclosed.
There are a few ways to preserve the sentiments of the day. Dry the flowers and leaves and combine them as potpourri in a glass container with lid. You may want to tuck in a small cotton ball with fragrance. Press the plant materials for several weeks then arrange and frame them.
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