Master Gardeners offering wreath-making workshop on Nov. 27

Provided photos: Master Gardener volunteers show their completed wreaths.

Press Release, Orleans County Master Gardeners

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will be hosting their popular Wreath-Making Workshop again this year on Monday, Nov. 27.

There are two separate time slots for the public to choose from – at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The class is one of the most popular offered by Master Gardeners every year and serves as their main fundraiser for the overall Master Gardener program. Funds raised from the Wreath-Making classes support educational programming like their monthly Master Your Garden classes, sustainability-focused initiatives like installing rain barrels and recycling bins on the fairgrounds, and resources for the office lab which fields roughly 100 gardening questions from the community each year.

In addition to the practical aspect of funding Master Gardener programming, the classes are just plain fun for everyone involved.

“What’s not to love about making your own wreath!” said Janelle Flammger, Master Gardener and long-time chairperson for the event. “The atmosphere during the classes is always lively and merry, and someone is always there to help you. It is really exciting to see the wreaths come together where each one is unique, unlike the mass produced ones from the stores.”

During the Wreath-Making Workshop, participants can choose base greens purchased from local a Christmas Tree farm as well as various plant accents collected and donated by the Master Gardener volunteers.  MG volunteers offer a brief tutorial on how to position and secure the greens and accent material within the wreath frame to ensure that the wreath can withstand outdoor winter weather conditions.

Wreath-making participants are hard at work on their wreath frames.

MG volunteers are available throughout the class to offer help with anything participants may need – from physical help inserting the greens, to making a festive bow and choosing the perfect accessory!

“The Wreath-Making classes are so great!” said Master Gardener Sue Starkweather-Miller. “They offer a little practical education about the greens used, a great selection of plant accents, bows, baubles and extras to decorate the wreaths, as much help/assistance as you need from Master Gardeners, and a relaxed vibe that lets you work at your own pace.  And everyone leaves the class with a beautiful wreath!”

The Wreath-Making class has been a staple of the Master Gardener program for over 15 years and several of the participants have made it an annual tradition.

 “I love that people have made the wreath making class a family outing! It has become a multi-generational event!” added Tammy Leach, a long-time Master Gardener volunteer.

The workshop will be held in the Trolley Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairground, 12690 State Rt 31, Albion, NY 14411. The cost for the class is $30 per wreath, and there are a few spots remaining for each time slot. Pre-registration is required by calling 585-798-4265 ext125 or emailing klo54@cornell.edu.

“Whether you are young or old, come as a group, family outing or individually – everyone is welcome and satisfied making their very own one-of-a-kind wreath!” Flammger said.