How to Make A Tussie Mussie

During the Elizabethan Era, people and even men carried small fragrant bouquets held up to their nose, to mask the stink and filth in the streets. Later, during the Victorian Era, where everything was formal and ornate, these nosegays began to take on meaning. They called them “tussie mussies,” which became a social grace and were given to others with each flower or plant depicting a special meaning.

How to Make a Tussie Mussie

Now that our flowers are all starting to bloom and there are lots of special occasions, why not give a tussie mussie or add it as a decoration to a gift?

Now that our flowers are all starting to bloom and there are lots of special occasions, why not give a tussie mussie or add it as a decoration to a gift? I previously wrote an article about tussie mussies in February, around Valentine's Day. However, I am getting ready to take my sister out for her birthday, and I thought it would be nice to add a little fragrant bouquet to her gift. I looked around at what was blooming and checked out my handy reference guide to see what fits. You can check out The Old Farmer's Almanac  to find their meaning.

I think of a tussie mussie as a small posy, so I picked just a few flowers, herbs and leaves and then wrapped them with wire. I put them in a small glass of water and placed it in the refrigerator until I was ready to head over to her house. Then I just tied it onto her present with a little symbolism card and “viola!” Wow, if you could only smell it. I used rosemary, mint, and scented geranium leaves. So fragrant. A few salvia and hardy geranium flowers add a little extra color and beauty.

Tussie mussies are a fun, fragrant and easy project for your next special occasion.