Succulent wreaths will last three to four years. Photo by S. McCabe.
Hand-made wreaths and holiday decorations will be available from the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum at the annual Dried Flower and Succulent Wreath Sale on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18. Exotic dried flower arrangements, living succulent wreaths, unusual succulent plants, and materials for making your own gifts are among the offerings at this year's sale.
Sale hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The sale will be held at the Horticulture Building in the Arboretum, located on High Street (Empire Grade) between the two entrances to the UCSC campus.
Many different kinds of wreaths will be available, some featuring featherlike and conelike flower parts from plants in the protea family and others made of colorful dried perennials and herbs. Living wreaths planted with succulents will last three to four years. The Arboretum's extensive collections of South African and Australian plants provide a variety of unusual materials for use in wreaths and arrangements. Dried flowers and foliages will be available singly, by the bunch, and in arrangements. Dish gardens, cacti, and gift books round out the selections.
The Dried Flower and Succulent Wreath Sale is an all-volunteer effort featuring materials grown at the Arboretum or donated by volunteers. All proceeds benefit the Arboretum.
The UCSC Arboretum is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Norrie's Gifts is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and from Christmas through New Year's day). For more information, call (831) 427-2998 or visit the Arboretum web site.