The Mahaska County Master Gardeners are inviting the community to get creative for the holiday season during an upcoming Holiday Arrangement Workshop on Wednesday, December 2, at 6 p.m.
Master Gardener Mike Striegel will lead the workshop at the Mahaska County Extension Office, located at 212 North I Street in Oskaloosa. Participants should plan to spend approximately one to two hours creating their own fresh evergreen arrangement.
Workshop materials will include fresh evergreen branches, likely pine, cedar and fir, along with a small floral bowl and a candle. Additional greenery, such as holly, spruce, arborvitae or boxwood, may also be available.
Participants are welcome to bring their own floral bowl or container of similar dimensions, along with personal decorative items. Suggested decorations include small pinecones, candies, ornaments, dried or fresh flowers, and ribbon. Floral picks will be available to help incorporate additional decorations.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own unique evergreen materials, as well as gloves, scissors and hand pruners.
Registration is required, and the cost is $15 per arrangement. Space is limited to 20 participants. To register, contact the Mahaska County Extension Office at 641-673-5841 or email Suzette Striegel at striegel@iastate.edu. Registration must be completed by Monday, November 30.
The fees collected will help offset direct workshop expenses and support Agriculture and Natural Resources programming in Mahaska County.
The Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their 23rd year of service. The volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides research-based horticulture information and education to Iowans through community programs and projects.
Master Gardeners receive horticulture training and volunteer their time to promote education and service in their communities. The program is open to anyone age 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Mahaska County is also planning to host Master Gardener training in Winter 2027. Online enrollment will run from December 14 through January 29 through the Iowa Master Gardener website. Those interested in local training can contact Suzette at the Mahaska County Extension Office for additional information.
For more information about the Holiday Arrangement Workshop and other horticulture programs, contact the Mahaska County Extension Office at 212 North I Street in Oskaloosa, call 641-673-5841, or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.
