As an eager group watched intently, Maggie Stringer and Anna Owen carefully demonstrated techniques for creating décor from natural items for the holidays. It was a breezy, sunny Saturday morning in the Wisdom Wood Outdoor Classroom of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens that drew a class full of interested people to the gardens to learn something new.
Mrs. Stringer used Wisteria Vine to create the wreath form then demonstrated how to tuck Bay leaves and Rosemay leaves into the nooks and spaces of the wreath eventually covering the entire ring. She attached a large red velvet bow at the top to complete it. The wonderful aromas of the Bay and Rosemary were an added bonus to the beautiful wreath.
Mrs. Owen gathered branches of colorful oak and maple leaves, dried flower stems, long Aspidistra leaves, Pine cones, Acuba, Elaeagnus, and other items from around the gardens along with some sunset-colored roses. She arranged them in a pre-soaked oasis attached to a long piece of driftwood. The resulting floral arrangement for t Thanksgiving table was stunning.
She also created a striking table arrangement for Christmas. She used Asparagus fern, Elaeagnus, Tractor Seat Plant stem, Papyrus stem, Pine cones, Crepe Myrtle “berries”, red Astromelias blossoms, red and pink Roses in a silver bowl. Both instructors, who are Master Gardeners, showed the class how they can easily create their own wreaths and floral arrangements using many items from their own yards.
After the class many of the attendees strolled through the Southern Garden to admire the variety of fall blooming plants and a variety of beautifully colored leaves including large, old Gingko Trees showing off their golden yellow leaves and Dogwoods with leaves of deep red.
The 2026 MBG Calendar of Classes will be published in late January that will include classes in the gardens for spring and fall.
