Celebrate the season with Garden Educator Melissa Pace in this hands-on workshop that shows how to use the materials around you to create festive arrangements for indoors or out. Melissa is the creative force behind the natural displays featured each year at our holiday event, Festival of Trees, where her work is always a highlight. She’ll share the same techniques she uses to design arrangements that are both beautiful and long-lasting.
Working with fresh evergreens, grasses, and other natural textures, participants will first learn the basics of building a strong base arrangement, then explore different ways to embellish it for the holidays. Guided step-by-step, you’ll create your own seasonal piece to take home—brimming with greenery, texture, and accents that capture the magic of the season.
What to Bring: Participants are encouraged to bring a pair of garden shears if they have them; extras will be available to share. Work gloves are optional for handling greenery, and a box to carry your finished arrangement home is recommended.
Instructor:
Melissa Pace is an award-winning horticulturist, competing in numerous flower shows nationwide - from the Philadelphia Flower Show to specialized cacti and succulent showcases. A University of Rhode Island Master Gardener since 2003, she also maintains an active membership in the Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.
For over 30 years, Melissa has always been eager to share her knowledge of plants. From working with local garden clubs and civic organizations to giving hands-on tours for nationwide conferences and symposia, her engaging talks blend practical insights with her passion for plants, captivating audiences from all walks of life.
Holding a Master’s degree in teaching from Bridgewater State University, she seamlessly integrates her roles as a teacher and horticulture enthusiast at Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS), where she engages with learners of all ages using her dynamic approach to plant education. She embodies the mission of MHS by encouraging everyone to become active growers.
Workshop size is limited - Preregistration required
Your class confirmation email will hold your class access information - please ensure you receive it.
Class/Program/Workshop: 251205 Hands-On Workshop: Natural Holiday Arrangements
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time Frame: 10am - 11:30am ET
Location: Garden at Elm Bank, Putnam Building
900 Washinton St. Wellesley MA 02482
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