Look for the Rochester Garden Club’s 70th annual Greens Market at a new location this year – the Rochester Schools Administration Center, 501 W. University in downtown Rochester. In this new expanded setting, shoppers will find an even larger array of affordable fresh greens, decorations and one of a kind gifts for the holiday season.
“Over the course of 70 years, the market has changed and expanded to meet the needs of our shoppers,” said Sally Edwards, Greens Market co-chair. “We are always evaluating our merchandise and keep updating to be sure our customers are happy. This year, we have a new location that will give us a lot more room to display the lovely arrangements, and our shoppers will have a bit more elbow room as well.”
The Opening Gala on Thursday evening, December 1 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. begins this three-day event. 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”, 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 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday December 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a $2.00 entrance fee.
This year, the Greens Market promises to be better than ever. Between four and five hundred people shop at the marketplace each year, and many are return customers. “We see familiar faces, friends and family each year”, said Pat Hambleton, Greens Market co-chair. “Our club members really look forward to being a part of this exciting event and connecting with the community.”
The 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 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.
Those customers looking for new ideas to decorate their homes should plan to attend our two demonstrations. At 1:30 pm on Friday, two of the club’s best designers will demonstrate how to make porch pots, those large exterior pots chocked full of fresh greens that dress up the home’s front door and help to welcome family and guests. The second demonstration on Friday at 3:00 pm will illustrate how easy it is to make wreaths look festive and fabulous with simple decorating tips. Both demonstrations promise a lively and entertaining take on holiday decorating.
Most customers leave the Greens Market with at least one of the lovely fresh or permanent arrangements created by talented club members. Over 500 one-of-a-kind permanent wreaths, table arrangements, trees and swags designed for seasonal decorating are made each year. The fresh arrangements are created from greens locally cut just prior to the sale. “They are made by our designers just days before the sale,” explains designer Gerri Hintz, “and will 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 are created by club members throughout the year to be featured at the sale. Pillows, fun mittens, 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 our offering of homemade dog treats and cat toys.
As our regular customers know, shopping at the 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, Dinosaur Hill, Clinton River Watershed Council, college scholarships, summer camp scholarships with the 4-H clubs, annual flower plantings at parks and public spaces, 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.