The 68th annual Greens Market is back, and this year will include an Opening Gala the evening of December 4, which gives even the busiest shoppers a chance to purchase beautiful, affordable holiday decorations and gifts. All proceeds benefit the Rochester community, according to the press release.
The Rochester Garden Club, a branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association, will offer fresh greens and arrangements, holiday treats and unique handcrafted items at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on Main Street in Rochester, across from the Dairy Queen. Market days for the annual holiday fundraiser are Friday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $2.00. Credit cards are accepted.
Tammy Raquel displays her own fantastic creation
To add more fun and excitement, the club is holding an Opening Gala on Thursday evening, December 4 from 6 to 8 pm. For a $5.00 entrance fee, shoppers can enjoy snacks and beverages, a silent auction, and purchase beautiful handmade gifts, gourmet foods and arrangements. The silent auction items include a fully decorated Christmas tree, and a beautiful fresh holiday arrangement and a lovely permanent wreath
“The Opening Gala will give our customers a special shopping experience that will get them in the spirit of the holidays”, said Pat Hambleton, Greens Market co-chair. “We will offer first class service, delicious treats, music and a great selection of holiday arrangements and gifts, and of course the chance to win a delightful piece in the silent auction. But, don’t worry if you can’t attend on Thursday night. We will replenish our stock in time for our Market Days opening on Friday morning.”
Garden club members work throughout the year, creating lovely handcrafted gifts. Pillows, quilts, fun mittens, scarves and more are available. “Each item is unique and made with great care”, said Colleen Dykstra, chair of the Arts and Crafts committee. “We have a lot of fun creating these mini-works of art. They make thoughtful, personal gifts for people of all ages, from small children to grandmas. We will even make custom bows on site for a personalized touch for your wreaths.”
Club members display handcrafted mittens, quilts and pillows
A big part of the Greens Market is the sale of fresh greens, including noble fir and boxwood wreaths, along with blue berried junipers, boxwood, incense cedar, fir, and white pine and holly branches. Cedar and pine roping will be available by the coil or yard. Prepackaged bags of fresh greens make it easy create your own arrangements. “Customers come back year after year because our greens are affordable and fresh, and our knowledgeable ladies can help answer decorating questions”, said Carol Steurer, club member. “This is perfect for the do-it-yourself arranger and decorator who wants to start with the best quality materials.”
Most customers don’t leave the Greens Market without at least one of the lovely fresh or permanent arrangements created by talented club members. Over 500 one-of-a-kind permanent wreaths, centerpieces, trees and swags designed for Christmas decorating are made each year. “These arrangements make great gifts for teachers, coaches, grandparents or as hostess gifts,” said designer Gerri Hintz.
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 Hintz, “and will last well into the New Year.” They include simple mugs filled with greens and ribbon all the way up to elaborate table centerpieces. Custom orders can be completed upon request and you can even bring your own container.
Margo Gatzke is in the holiday spirit with gifts and decorations
The market also features an herbal and gourmet section where shoppers will find traditional herb mixes along with homemade jams and jellies made from local fruits and vegetables. Club members bake their favorite holiday cookies that are not only a convenience for the busy holiday shopper, but are tried and true crowd pleasers.
Shopping at the Greens Market means supporting the greater Rochester area. All proceeds are returned to the community in the areas of environment, education, scholarships, conservation, horticulture therapy, and civic improvement. The club supports the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm and its Children’s Garden, preschool planting programs in Rochester schools, Dinosaur Hill, Clinton River Watershed Council, college scholarships, landscaping, annual flower plantings at parks and buildings and many other causes. The club has received civic recognition over the years for its contributions to the quality of life in our community.
Custom fresh arrangements must be ordered by December 1.
Visit RochesterGardenClub.org for more information or find them on Facebook.
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