GARDENER'S NOTEBOOK
The Greening of Santa's Workshop
By Jani Gardner
What fun it was visiting the veritable Santa’s Workshop at the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club headquarters at Wakeman Center in late Fall! Pre-holiday happy members created quite a steady buzz, gathered diligently at lengthy tables, laden with gorgeous greenery, plush red ribbons and puffy bows.
From pine cones to holly berries and nifty treasured personal findings, each item was vital to that very special “look” desired by each member for that inviting front door, or fireplace/mantel at their own home.
Each member was on a mission, choosing from several rolling seas of green roping, boughs, pine cones, mistletoe and more. Many told enthralling tales of collecting their outdoor Christmas finery for door, mantel or favorite spot. Then conversation evaporated, as garden artists perfected personal treasures. That undeniable fresh green bough scent cast a beguiling spell on the entire event.
Members must sign up each October for this holiday event. Sue Silva tells that the Garden Club provides all of the greens at minimal cost. “It gets us out and about with purpose,” she chuckles, following up with a major laundry list of adventurous Garden Club projects for members to do. “In fact, we would love to have new members; it’s not white gloves and tea parties!”
Obviously it’s not, looking at the sea of greenery and holiday paraphernalia strewn about the Center’s meeting room turned Santa’s Workshop, for this hurricane of activity.
Rumor has it that members will be creating a kissing ball this year...and way off in a distant corner, Santa himself was seen giving a wink and a nod of delight. (He, of course, eschews any photos of himself categor-ically, and disappeared in an instant.)
The marvelous memories members have of this delightful annual event will warm their hearts for years to come. Become a member and join the fun by calling President Cathy Minkiewicz at 508 693-0331.
From pine cones to holly berries and nifty treasured personal findings, each item was vital to that very special “look” desired by each member for that inviting front door, or fireplace/mantel at their own home.
Each member was on a mission, choosing from several rolling seas of green roping, boughs, pine cones, mistletoe and more. Many told enthralling tales of collecting their outdoor Christmas finery for door, mantel or favorite spot. Then conversation evaporated, as garden artists perfected personal treasures. That undeniable fresh green bough scent cast a beguiling spell on the entire event.
Members must sign up each October for this holiday event. Sue Silva tells that the Garden Club provides all of the greens at minimal cost. “It gets us out and about with purpose,” she chuckles, following up with a major laundry list of adventurous Garden Club projects for members to do. “In fact, we would love to have new members; it’s not white gloves and tea parties!”
Obviously it’s not, looking at the sea of greenery and holiday paraphernalia strewn about the Center’s meeting room turned Santa’s Workshop, for this hurricane of activity.
Rumor has it that members will be creating a kissing ball this year...and way off in a distant corner, Santa himself was seen giving a wink and a nod of delight. (He, of course, eschews any photos of himself categor-ically, and disappeared in an instant.)
The marvelous memories members have of this delightful annual event will warm their hearts for years to come. Become a member and join the fun by calling President Cathy Minkiewicz at 508 693-0331.