Participants crafted wreaths, swags and arrangements at the CGC's Greens-Get-Together.

For me, the Holiday season officially kicks off with the annual “Greens Get Together” at the Civic Garden Center. Each year, the CGC offers workshops which allow the participants to create beautiful holiday table arrangements, wreaths, swags or garlands from fresh evergreen cuttings and natural embellishments. This year’s workshops took place last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Both beginning and experienced floral arrangers gather, under the watchful eye of an expert designer, to craft their lovely creations. Groups from garden clubs attend together. Mothers and daughters design delightful decorations in concert. Friends spur on one another’s creativity. I’ve been one of the “experts”, helping out with a session or two each year for the past ten years.

Participants sip hot tea or mulled cider and listen to holiday music as they work. It’s an extremely pleasant way to spend a few hours, and the CGC provides most of the materials and cleans up the mess! A fund-raiser for the CGC, the class fee of $30 includes a bundle of mixed greens and supplies to make several original creations. Extra greens, accessories, ribbon and boxwood are available for purchase.

When the participants get their arrangements home, they should treat them properly for maximum life through the holiday season. If you have crafted or purchased arrangements made from fresh greens, you might consider treating them this way, as well.

Arrangements in floral foam should be kept well-watered. Wreaths, swags and garland should be sprayed with an anti-desiccant to keep the greens from drying out. One such product that is readily available at local nurseries is called Wilt-Pruf. A long-time florist once recommended to me to use clear acrylic floor wax – he uses Future brand – for the same result.

Keeping the arrangements in a cool place, and out of direct sunlight, also helps. You might consider storing them in a garage or other cool spot overnight, or when you are not enjoying them indoors – if you are at work all day, for example. Then bring them out for everyone to admire. And if you are lucky enough to live in the greater Cincinnati area, remember to sign up for the Greens-Get-Together at the Civic Garden Center next year!

Happy Gardening!