Arboretum Foundation Gifts & Greens Galore Event
The Arboretum Foundation is a non-profit membership organization that has been maintaining the Washington Park Arboretum since 1935. They also raise money to help sustain the Seattle Japanese Garden, one of the most celebrated Japanese gardens outside of Japan, at the Arboretum. Special fundraising projects have supported the construction of the Graham Visitors Center and the Japanese Garden Teahouse, pond and shoreline restoration, and more.
One of these projects is their beloved holiday sale, Gifts & Greens Galore, returning to the Graham Visitors Center, on Friday, December 7, from 12 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a unique selection of green decorations, the sale offers a one-of-a-kind selection of eco-friendly botanical decorations, including locally sourced and sustainably harvested wreaths, swags, and garlands.
You’ll also find a great selection of bulk and unusual fresh-cut greens pruned from plants in the Arboretum and donated to the sale by area gardeners—as well as other materials for making your own holiday decorations.
This year, they’ll be featuring lots of DIY demonstrations and craft activities throughout the two-day event. On Friday at 1 p.m., author and outdoor living expert Debra Prinzing will show shoppers how to create beautiful holiday centerpieces using seasonal, locally grown materials.
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Northwest lifestyle and entertaining expert Alexandra Hedin will give a demo on Saturday at 11 a.m. about unique ways fresh greens can be used for the holidays.
Sue Mariotti of The Terrarium Shop on Etsy will show you how to build a miniature terrarium (so hot right now!) on Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m., and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Foundation volunteer craft specialists and educators from UW Botanic Gardens will also host show-and-tell activities during the event.
Shoppers can enjoy complimentary holiday refreshments, including cookies donated by Cougar Mountain Baking Company (while supplies last) and the grand reveal of the Arboretum’s new coffee service bar (with their own label, Arboretum Blend!) supported by local coffee roaster, Zoka Coffee.
Parking and admission are free and all sales benefit the maintenance and education programs at Washington Park Arboretum. So you get to cross a few things off your Christmas list and give back to the community…sounds like a win-win to me! I’m thrilled to have received an invite to the Wednesday preview, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store.
Other local holiday spots to check out…
Wight’s Wonderland Of Christmas
Seattle Great Wheel – Get a bird’s eye view of area homes and businesses lit up in Christmas lights!
