By: Danielle Magcalas, EcoHouse Garden Assistant
December is almost here!
As you begin to decorate your home or wrap gifts, consider using materials that are natural, local or reused!
On November 26th, Green Venture had a Wreath Making Fundraiser at the Pale Blue Dot Shop. The event was a huge hit! Everyone learned how to make their own personal Christmas wreath and left feeling proud of their handiwork.
Natural & Local
Instead of using the common metal or plastic wreath frames, we decided to make the frames from grapevines. Grapevines are native to Ontario, but their rapid growth can steal nutrients from plants and trees. Thus, a grapevine wreath is made of a local, abundant material and helps manage the amount of grapevines. Plus, once the Holidays are over, the greenery can be removed and the grapevine wreath can be used for other special occasions! (Spring, Birthdays, Weddings, Fall, Thanksgiving)
Local & Reused
Most of the greenery was collected from around Green Venture’s EcoHouse property. These came from cedar trees, yew trees, pine trees and euonymus vines. TERRA Greenhouses, a local garden centre, generously donated some boxwood and silver fir, which are considered “fancier greenery”! Likewise, local company Venni Gardens generously donated some accent pieces for the wreaths: pine cones, holly and teasel heads. Green Venture purchased some fabric ribbon from thrift shops, because the materials are cheaper and used!
Try different materials !
This workshop demonstrates how people can participate in Holiday decorating while caring for the environment. Materials that are natural will eventually break down and return to the earth. Using local materials can cut down carbon emissions and perhaps help you build relationships with businesses in your area (in this case, Terra Greenhouses and Venni Gardens!). Lastly, reused materials are usually cheaper and use less resources!
Which type of material will you use this Christmas?
Giving thanks!
- Thanks to TERRA Greenhouses for providing lovely greenery this workshop!
Learn more about their products at https://www.terragreenhouses.com/ - Thanks to Candy Venning for teaching us how to make Holiday wreaths from natural, local materials! She and her husband run Venni Gardens, a company that designs and builds beautiful landscapes on your property.
You can learn more about their amazing work at http://www.vennigardens.com/ - Thanks to Mary, owner of the Pale Blue Dot, for providing a warm, cozy space for us to work.
Check out this one-stop shop for sustainable living at https://thepalebluedotshop.com/ - Finally, thanks to everyone who attended!
This fundraiser will help Green Venture run environmental programs throughout Hamilton.
May you enjoy this Holiday season with your beautiful, natural Christmas wreath!
