Master Gardeners offer wreath-making class in pre-pandemic format

‘People are just so happy being together, and it brings back fond memories of being a kid, going to cut your Christmas tree, the smell of the greens.’

Provided photos: Master Gardener class regulars Nicki Dresser and Pam Maryjanowski show off their finished wreaths in the 2021 class.

Press Release, Orleans County Master Gardener Program

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are gearing up for one of their most popular workshops of the year – their Wreath-Making Class – on Nov. 28.

This year, the master gardeners are thrilled to be able to offer the class in its original pre-Covid format at two different times, 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 28.

In this hands-on workshop, Master Gardeners provide all of the supplies needed to create the holiday wreaths, the base evergreen branches, accent materials like pinecones and dried flowers, holiday ribbon, and some decorative trinkets.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own pruners and gloves, plus any additional accents they would like to really personalize the wreaths. By the end of the class, each participant has their own truly unique masterpiece to hang on their door or wall.

”I think people really enjoy the hands-on part, that they get to make their own wreath,” said Janelle Flammger, Master Gardener chairperson of the event, “It’s just so neat to see everyone’s final product – they all start out with the same materials and yet every single wreath turns out completely different and uniquely beautiful.”

The Wreath-Making Workshop has been a Master Gardener tradition for years, a staple in the program lineup that stays constant despite changes in staff, volunteers, or circumstances.

“We were really fortunate that we were able to hold the workshops in 2020 when so many other events and programs were cancelled because of Covid,” said Katie Oakes, CCE staff coordinator of the Master Gardener Program. “We did have to tweak the format a bit to comply with the safety protocols at the time, but people were just so grateful to still be able to do something fun and creative in such a tumultuous time.

Master Gardener Kristina Gabalski shows participants the various greens available with which to make their wreaths.

In  2020 the workshop was offered as a series of small classes, with a max capacity of eight participants per class. Last year, in December 2021, the capacity of participants was increased, but social distancing was still recommended so the class size continued to be restricted.

Now that Covid limitations have been widely lifted, Master Gardeners are thrilled to be able to offer the workshop like they always have – in a big room, everyone all together, sharing creative ideas, and encouraging each other.

“I really love the social aspect of this workshop,” said long-time Master Gardener Eileen Sorochty. “People are just so happy being together, and it brings back fond memories of being a kid, going to cut your Christmas tree, the smell of the greens. It’s nostalgic.”

Master Gardeners wanted to offer the class shortly after Thanksgiving so that participants could enjoy their fresh wreath for as long as possible before the holidays.

The cost for this workshop is $30 per wreath.

To sign up for the Wreath-Making workshop or for more information on the Master Gardener program, call the Orleans County CCE office at 585-798-426 or email Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu.