SDSU students and Brookings community members will have the chance to start their holiday season with a fun tradition as the Horticulture Club hosts its annual Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop on November 21 and 22 at McCrory Gardens. 

Now in its seventh year, and its second year being held at McCrory Gardens, the workshop continues to grow, with increasing interest from students looking for a festive break from coursework.

The two-day event invites participants to create their own wreaths using fresh conifer branches, wire rings, bows, ornaments and other decorative materials. All provided by the club. Hot chocolate is also provided to help set a festive atmosphere. 

In addition to wreath making, McCrory Gardens also will host several “Gifting for Good” shopping locations throughout the weekend that will accept donations for Jack’s Cupboard.

Claire Galvin, a Horticulture Club member in her third year of organizing the workshop. She said the event has become one of the club’s most anticipated traditions. 

“We had around 160 people last year,” she said, noting the shift to McCrory Gardens has allowed for a larger turnout and a more immersive experience. “A lot of people are really excited about it.” Online ticket sales are still ramping up.

The Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop was originally located in the Horticulture and Forestry Building. As attendance grew, the event moved to McCrory Gardens to accommodate more participants and enhance the atmosphere. Galvin said the change was prompted by convenience and potential to create a better experience.

“We realized we needed a bigger space, so we moved to McCrory Gardens,” she said. “This year we’re trying to make it more of an experience compared to last year.” 

A new addition includes coloring books for kids.

The club hosts two main fundraisers a year, making the workshop an accessible opportunity for students across campus. The club’s mission is to provide students with opportunities to experience horticulture hands-on, Galvin said.

Nearly all materials used for the workshop, especially the greenery, are locally sourced. SDSU forestry instructor John Ball assists in selecting trees around campus and McCrory Gardens that need to be removed due to aging or disease. 

“We use trees that are dying or need to be taken down,” Galvin said. 

Participants will then use metal wreath rings and thin wire to attach bundles of conifer branches, with pre-made bows and ornaments available to personalize each wreath. 

All materials are included, so no participants need to bring supplies.

As interest in hands-on, seasonal events grows, the Horticulture Club has noticed strong engagement from students. 

“We have about 30 students signed up so far,” Galvin said. “Students are really responding well to our events this year.” 

The club promoted the workshop with nearly 300 posters around campus, especially in the agriculture building, along with city-wide displays, punch cards featuring upcoming events, and features in the Fall Entertainment Guide. McCrory Gardens also reposted promotional materials to broaden community reach.

For many SDSU students, the idea of taking part in a creative seasonal activity offers a break from academic stress. Sophomore Amber Brockberg said she hadn’t yet decided whether she would attend the workshop, but the idea immediately appealed to her. 

“My first reaction was, ‘That sounds cool, I would do it,’” she said. Brockberg said the timing of the event feels perfect for students preparing to leave campus.

Brockberg was especially drawn to how hands-on the workshop is. 

“I love crafts,” she said. 

She added that she often enjoys holiday crafting but doesn’t always have the time during the semester. Activities like wreath-making, she said, offer a refreshing change of pace. 

“Definitely, any campus activity is a fun break from classes.”

Lisa Marotz, director of operations at McCrory Gardens, talked about additional offerings during the event weekend. Several “Gifting for Good” locations will be open, each accepting donations for Jack’s Cupboard, SDSU’s food pantry for students in need. 

“This is a new addition meant to support the local community while encouraging people to shop local and support non-profit museum stores,” Marotz said. 

She also noted that McCrory Gardens will accept Hobo Dough for student purchases, making it convenient for SDSU attendees.

For Galvin, the most rewarding part of organizing the event has been watching it evolve and implementing new ideas each year. 

“It’s exciting to get to apply my ideas and make it better every time,” she said.