Gifts & Greens Market Is A Holiday Tradition

For almost three-quarters of a century, the Rochester Garden Club has been bringing a festive holiday shopping experience to Rochester. The first annual sale began just after World War II in 1946, when telephones were a novelty and radios outnumbered televisions. Today, information is at our fingertips and it is just as easy to call an international friend, as it is a next-door neighbor. However, the allure of a local marketplace chock full of delightful holiday arrangements, gifts and edibles stands the test of time.

On December 5, 6 and 7, the Gifts & Greens Market will return to the spacious and conveniently located Rochester Schools Administration Center at 501 W. University just west of Main Street. In this festive setting, shoppers will find displays of affordable fresh greens, fresh and permanent table arrangements that are hand made by the club’s talented designers, baked goods and one of a kind gifts for the holiday season. Knowledgeable club members will be on hand to help customers select just what they need.

This three-day event begins with the Opening Gala on Thursday evening, December 5 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. For a $5.00 entrance fee, shoppers can enjoy a lovely evening, sampling snacks and beverages while shopping for beautiful handmade gifts, gourmet foods and fresh and permanent arrangements. “This is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season, and get a head start on all the shopping and decorating,” said Jane Giblin, co-chair of the event. “But don’t worry if you cannot come on Thursday evening. We will replenish our stock with new items for the sale on Friday and Saturday.” Market Days are held on Friday, December 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday December 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a $2.00 entrance fee.

There is a special treat in store for shoppers on Friday. At 11:00 a.m., customers will be treated to a demonstration by one of the club’s best designers. She will make some “Wreath Magic” to illustrate how easy it is to create a stunning and personalized wreath to welcome guests as they enter the home. After the demonstration, shoppers can purchase fresh greens and ornamental pieces to include in their own creations.

The Gifts & Greens Market offers a wonderful selection of fresh greens that many customers use to decorate the exterior and interior of their homes. Cedar, pine and mixed evergreen roping will be available by the coil or yard. Noble fir and boxwood wreaths as well as swags in various sizes are sold, and may be embellished by one of our hand tied bows. Bows can even be custom made from our wide selection of ribbons so customers can take home just the right touch. Prepackaged bags of blue berried juniper, boxwood, incense cedar, white pine, holly, and ornamental stems make it easy to create your own arrangements.

Most customers leave the Gifts & Greens Market with at least one of the lovely fresh or permanent arrangements created by talented club members. Over 500 unique wreaths, table arrangements, trees and swags designed for seasonal decorating are made each year from durable materials that will last many years. The fresh arrangements are created from greens locally cut just prior to the sale. “The fresh arrangements are made by our designers just days before the sale,” explains designer Gerri Hintz. “They use special techniques to help the greens stay fresh and the arrangements should last well into the New Year.” They range in size from simple mugs filled with greens and ribbon to elaborate table centerpieces.

Customers often find just the right one of a kind gift for that special person. Handmade items that were created by club members throughout the year will be featured at the sale. Pillows, unique jewelry, knitted hats, and scarves, handmade ornaments, toys and games and much more will be offered. A wonderful variety of herbal items, delicious homemade cookies, and gourmet delights are also very popular. Pet owners always love shopping in our pet section, loaded with treats and toys for the pampered pets of the family.

As our regular customers know, shopping at the Gifts & Greens Market means supporting the greater Rochester area. All proceeds are returned to the community in the areas of conservation, education, scholarships, horticulture therapy, and civic improvement. The club supports the Children’s Garden at Van Hoosen Farm, preschool planting programs in Rochester schools, college scholarships, summer camp scholarships in partnership with 4-H, annual flower plantings at parks and public spaces, Dinosaur Hill, Seven Ponds Nature Preserve, The Wildflower Association of Michigan, Clinton River Watershed Council, and many other causes. The Rochester Garden Club, a branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association, has received civic recognition over the years for its contributions to the quality of life in our community. New members are welcome.

The Gifts & Greens Market will be held on Thursday, December 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Opening Gala), Friday, December 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Market Days). Our location is the Rochester Schools Administration Center, 501 West University, Rochester Hills 48307.