An improved system and method for providing a controlled release of vapors from a vaporizable material such as a fragrance material provided in a container for air freshening. The system includes a sealable container containing a porous reservoir medium, which contains a liquid fragrance material in communication with a plenum cavity for accumulation of vapors therein without reaching a pressure equilibrium with the liquid source. A permeable barrier is provided between the plenum and the atmosphere for metered release of vapors through an aperture provided in an impermeable barrier to the atmosphere. The reservoir medium contains capillaries and the surface area of the reservoir medium adjacent the plenum is made large compared to that of the apertures in the impermeable barrier. Thus, the conversion of a liquid phase fragrance material in the reservoir absorbent material to vapor phase for dispersal to the surrounding air is controlled so that the service life of the device is substantially extended. A method for making and using the fragrance dispersing system is also disclosed.