Take a bough
The Seal Rock Garden Club sale is back. Wreath all about it.
Story & photos by Gretchen Ammerman
For the TODAY
There was a heavenly scent filling the air and a buzz of activity at the Seal Rock Garden Club as club members gathered to create the wreaths, swags, centerpieces, small decorated live trees and gifts that will be on offer at the Holiday Greens Sale this Saturday, Dec. 3.
“I love this event,” club president and event chairman Carol Brescher said. “I get so excited I can hardly stand it. It brings the majority of the club members together all at one time and they produce such pretty results.”
The flurry of fir flowed from the clubhouse to the buildings next door, which the Seal Rock Fire District generously makes available to the wreath-making elves each year.
“We have crews that do different parts of putting things together and also have a crew that feeds us all day long,” Brescher said. “It impresses me that these people are willing to work so hard. They gather things all year long and store them in their own garages.”
Sleepy Hollow Tree Farms is a major sponsor for the base material of greenery.
“They give us a screaming deal on the noble firs,” Brescher said. “The rest are all donated by members. Most of the fresh wreaths last through January, but we also have things made with dry greens that can last for months.”
The sale will also include a silent auction, with the big-ticket item being a handmade garden bench. You do not have to be present to win, which is a good thing because Brescher recommends getting to the sale as early as possible.
“We have people standing in line every year, even if it’s raining,” she said. “We sell out every year.”
Though wreaths are the main item, the ladies create many other things to decorate your home for the holidays.
“I’m just amazed when people come in with all this beautiful stuff to create with,” Brescher said. “I’d be happy to just do wreaths, but I’m partial. This year we’re adding lanterns and a member’s husband has made some wooden boxes that will make beautiful, natural-looking centerpieces.”
All the hard work has Brescher considering whether she will act as chairperson next year.
“I’ve said that this is the last year I’ll be doing it,” she said. “But I doubt I can really stop, it’s just too much fun.”
Saturday’s sale begins at 9 am and the silent auction will close at 1 pm. The Seal Rock Garden Clubhouse is located on the east side of Hwy. 101, at 10377 Rand Street.