Holiday Greening of Historic New Castle
Scroll down to see our plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable at our 2020 Wreath Workshop.
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Every year, dozens of Arasapha members and other volunteers participate in a New Castle tradition beloved since 1963: decorating over 100 all-natural wreaths that adorn the Historic District's public buildings and businesses during the holiday season. Arasapha members also create all-natural holiday decorations for Fezziwig's Ball and Victorian Teas sponsored by New Castle Historical Society. (Note: These events are cancelled in 2020.)
The wreaths, decorated with dried flowers and fresh fruits, vegetables, and greens, contribute to the Historic District's charming holiday atmosphere enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. Arasapha's annual Holiday Greening project is supported by grants from the Trustees of New Castle Common and the City of New Castle, along with proceeds from May Market and A Day in Old New Castle. New Castle's holiday greens are created at two events each year: the Gathering o' the Greens and Wreath Workshop. You don't need to be an Arasapha member to join the fun! Keep reading for information on each event. Click here if you have any questions. |
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Gathering o' the Greens
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On the weekend after Thanksgiving, Arasapha members, friends, neighbors, and local residents trim clippings from evergreen trees and shrubs to decorate the wreaths.
Can you donate clipped greens? We can use arborvitae, boxwood, cedar, cypress, fir, gold dust plant (aucuba), hemlock, holly, juniper, magnolia, mountain laurel, pieris japonica, pine, privet, spruce, winterberry, winter creeper (euonymous), yew...and pinecones! On the Monday after Thanksgiving, bring your bags of clipped greens to the left wall of New Castle Presbyterian Church Christian Education Building. Do you or a friend or neighbor need help trimming overgrown evergreen shrubs? Click here to let us know, and we'll schedule a visit by our volunteers. Questions? Click here to request more information. |
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Wreath Workshop New 2020 Hours
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On the Tuesday through Thursday after Thanksgiving, we decorate all-natural holiday wreaths. On Tuesday we bundle dried flowers onto flower picks so they can be easily attached to wreaths. On all three days, we use dried flower bundles and fresh fruits, vegetables, and greens to decorate the wreaths.
You don't need to have any artistic talent to join the fun! Stop by anytime the Wreath Workshop is open, for as long or as little as you like, and we'll show you what to do. (Wednesday evening is great if you work during the day.) Bring garden clippers if you have them. If you like, starting at 2 PM on Wednesday, you can decorate a beautiful wreath for your own home for only $25. A limited number of wreaths is available, and they are sold first-come, first-served. We can advise you on how to create the look you want. Questions? Click here to request more information. |
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Plan to Keep Everyone Safe and Comfortable at our 2020 Wreath Workshop
To comply with Delaware reopening guidelines for private events, Arasapha will:
All volunteers should:
- Create dried flower take-home kits (Styrofoam slab, picks, floral tape, dried flowers) so volunteers who are self-isolating can help by making dried flower picks in advance.
- Position supplies on long tables down the center of the room. Position workstations (round tables) around the perimeter of the room, so volunteers don’t need to pass near others to get supplies.
- Position chairs and easels near the walls and spaced at least 6 feet apart.
- Ventilate the room by cracking a couple of windows open.
- Provide hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces.
- Wipe all doorknobs and handles with disinfectant at least once an hour.
- Wipe down each worktable and chair with disinfectant when a volunteer arrives at the table and leaves.
- Designate one person to spray completed wreaths, so spray cans don’t need to be wiped down after every use.
- If the weather is mild, move some worktables outdoors.
All volunteers should:
- Stay home if you don’t feel well.
- Wear a face mask except when eating or drinking.
- Stay 6 feet apart, including in the vestibule.
- Frequently wash hands, especially before and after touching shared items (glue gun, door handles, etc.).
- Bring your own clippers and don't share them with others.
- Wipe down all shared items (such as glue guns) with a disinfecting wipe (which Arasapha will provide) before and after use.
- Consider bringing gloves to wear when handling shared items such as glue guns.
- Pack your own snacks, beverages utensils, etc. This year Arasapha will NOT be providing food or beverages.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, because windows will be cracked open for ventilation and the room may be a bit chilly.