Evergreens To Go fundraiser to benefit Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
The August 2020 derecho destroyed approximately 40% of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens’ collection of trees, which also put many of its shade-loving plants in peril. Now, a group of dedicated volunteers are again offering the opportunity for the public to purchase wreaths and other evergreens to help fund the arboretum’s work rebuilding its collections.
The efforts are being spearheaded by Nan Bonfils, alongside Pat Steffen and Sandy Gossman. They are donating their time, talents and materials to craft wreaths, tabletop designs and a few other unique creations for the second year in a row. They also have years of experience teaching classes at the arboretum, before the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined them.
“Workshops were a revenue stream for the arboretum and we wondered how we could replace that,” Bonfils said. “One hundred percent of your purchase will go towards revitalizing the arboretum’s hosta collection.”
Place your order by calling 515-795-3216 or online at iowaarboretum.org/calendar/.
Select the “Evergreens to Go” tab, then choose from the following designs:
An evergreen and grapevine wreath with a base that is 18 inches in diameter. It will be decorated with fresh evergreens, ribbons, pinecones and “just the right amount of bling.”
Vase of greens, housed in a ceramic green vase that is 8 inches tall and is loaded with fresh cut evergreens. Total height is approximately 18 to 20 inches.
Java Jingle is made using repurposed empty coffee bags with fresh cut evergreens and “just the right amount of jingle bell joy.” It features a watertight container inside each bag so you can easily keep the greens fresh. Each bag has a variety of greens, and there will be a selection of bags and colors to choose from.
Greens to Go allows you to take home a bundle of fresh cut evergreens for DIY design. The 2-pound assortment of at least four kinds of greens can be trimmed for your own centerpiece, entryway or wreath accent.
View, order and prepay on the arboretum’s website and pick up your seasonal arrangement on Dec. 4 between 9 a.m. and noon at the arboretum located at 1875 Peach Ave. in Madrid. Designs will vary. Some of the evergreens come from reserve ground the arboretum owns near the public access location, while the remainder used will come from a wholesaler in Des Moines that gets the product from Wisconsin.
“It’s much more fun for people to make their own wreaths, but for some people it’s almost as gratifying to pick up someone else’s design — and have the money go to the arboretum,” she said.
Bonfils added that people may view additional creations at the Vintage Christmas at Lincoln View Farm event Dec. 3 from noon to 7 p.m., Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The pieces are quite different from what you see on the arboretum website. You will be surprised,” she said of those items for sale. “There will not be pre-orders and you just show up. Nancy Briggs will have her farm shop loaded with vintage Christmas treasures too.”
The farm is located at 1071 X Ave., Boone, near west Ames. Bonfils said either she or the other two volunteers would be present. These pieces too will benefit the arboretum.
“While the derecho didn’t rip out the gardens, it altered the whole tree canopy,” said arboretum executive director Mark Schneider. “Shade gardens, hostas especially, are collateral damage.”
While 100 new trees have been planted this year, they may take 30 years to mature. He said 24 new hostas have been added this year with the goal of revitalizing areas on the grounds including the Theresa Schutt Hosta House. New areas too will be home to hostas in the future.
“Our philosophy has shifted to having specific collections of plants and we’re the arboretum AND gardens,” Schneider said.
To learn more, visit iowaarboretum.org.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Evergreens To Go fundraiser to benefit Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
