Posts Tagged: wreath
Wreaths from YOUR Garden!
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After the Workshop
It's been over a week since we successfully completed our annual Wreath Workshop at the Buck Mansion in Vacaville. I just wanted to share with you some pictures of the prep days and then the actual workshop. I also wanted to recognize the hard work the Master Gardeners do to make this such a great event. It might entice you to sign up for the workshop in December 2014. I will take RSVP's starting in November.
Traditionally, the workshop is held the first Saturday of December. Participants pay a fee and get greens, a wreath frame, paddle wire, a bow and delicious refreshments for a fee. It's a great way for residents to kick off the holiday season and a lot of fun (work!) for the UCCE Master Gardeners of Solano County.
Oh, and note the wreaths. They are all made from the same exact materials, but each an individual, wonderful creation.
We start with a BIG pile of redwood, cut from locations in Solano County. (photos by Jennifer Baumbach)
Redwood and other greens, such as Heavenly Bamboo, are cut to size.
Greens are then conditioned in water and laid out on a tarp to drain.
Piles, by species, of greens.
Master Gardener Sherry is creating a wreath.
Wreath created as a thank you for supporter of the event.
Another wreath, made from same greens, but unique.
Decorations from the Master Gardener Garden
Why you may ask would several Master Gardeners be spray painting dried agapanthus, hydrangeas, sedum, and so much more in the rain and wind?
Well there is a simple answer; the Master Gardener’s 19th annual Wreath Workshop is just around the corner. We are getting things ready so that you can participate in making a beautiful wreath for your home, what better way to start the holiday season?
To do this, we start by drying some plants we have grown in our gardens. The dried foliage and flowers that look good get to stay their natural color when dried. The not-so-good looking dried materials get spray painted different colors. In addition to the materials mentioned, we also have magnolia leaves, Deodora cones, statice, as well as other plants. The pine cones are of various sizes and we have been painting them to look like they have been dusted by snow. There will be ribbon in a multitude of colors for bows.
Prior to the actual date of the Wreath Workshop, which is December 7, 2013; Master Gardeners will spend 3 days gathering greens. They will then cut materials to a size that is manageable for wreath making, and finally, boxing them. In this box of foliage you might also find in addition to the redwood, some lavender or rosemary.
If you have never attending this Wreath Workshop, this is what you can expect to get for the fee that you will pay: a banana box filled with greenery, a wire wreath frame, paddle wire and all sorts of natural decorations and a bow. Refreshments will be served throughout the event. There will be Master Gardeners to help if you need a refresher on how to make a wreath.
The event is being held at the Buck Mansion Carriage House in Vacaville, December 7, 2013 from 1-4 pm. Space is limited to sign up now! Here is link to the website to sign up for this fun event. Http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber-11507
You can also call Jennifer Baumbach at 707-784-1321 for addition information.
A variety of plant materials that have been sprayed. (photos by Toni Greer)
Artichokes, cones, etc.
Natural Decorations for the Wreath Workshop
The wreath workshop is just days away. Master Gardeners have been busy gathering redwood, rosemary, lavender, Nadine and so much more greenery for people that attend to make a wreath of their own design.
Starting in late October-early November the Master Gardeners have been busy cutting drying, and spraying decorations for you to choose from to add to your wreath. We have agapanthus heads, hydrangea flowers, statice, lavender, pine cones, and so much more (feathers, grass flowers). In addition, participants are welcome to bring any items they have from home that they would like to add to their wreath. There are assorted colors of ribbon that can be made into bows to complement your wreath .
Food did I mention food? Yes there will be food and drinks for you to snack on, as you make your wreath. Complements of the Master Gardeners.
This event is held on the first Saturday of December at the Buck Mansion in Vacaville. Seating is limited to 40. If you have not registered on line this year to attend, it could be to late. Here is the link http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9007 Make sure you mark your 2013 calendar in late October or early November to watch for the announcement for 2013 so you don’t miss this fun event next year.
Various dried plants used for wreaths. (photos by Toni Greer)
Dried ornamental pomegranates.