Greenery workshop takes place on Dec. 15

By Lori O'Brien

Correspondent

HOLYOKE-If you're still thinking of ways to "deck the halls" this holiday season, a fun and informative workshop slated Dec. 15 can provide you with helpful hints.

Master gardener Deborah Long-Smith will present "The Scents and Traditions of Winter Greenery" from 12 to 12:30 at the Wistariahurst Museum on Cabot Street. The workshop is part of the museum's History To Go Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series.

The history of holiday herbs and greenery, with tips for using them in your home, will be the highlight of the workshop, as well as keeping greenery fresh and decorating safely.

"Many different kinds of greenery can be used for holiday decorations," said Long-Smith during an interview with Reminder Publications. "Pines, firs and cedars are good to use for indoor decorations since they dry out slowly and hold their needles best at warm inside temperatures."

She also noted that hemlock, spruces and most broadleaf evergreens will last longer if used outdoors, and added that mountain laurel is traditionally used for wreaths and garland. Boxwood is also a favorite for its "fine texture."

"It has an aroma that you either love or hate," she said of boxwood.

Evergreens have been a part of winter festivals since ancient times, and Long-Smith said she will briefly discuss them, including the custom of hanging "greens" that came from England where the greens had included holly, ivy and mistletoe.

"A painting of England's King Henry VII celebrating Christmas at Westminster Hall in about 1500 shows boughs, made of clumps of evergreens and candles, hanging from the ceiling," said Long-Smith.

When we think of the holidays we also think about decorating with mistletoe and where the most appropriate place is to display it.

"Mistletoe is especially interesting botanically because it is a semi-parasite," said Long-Smith. "As a parasitic plant it grows on a tree and actually sends its roots into the tree for nourishment."

Long-Smith said from the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred plants of European folklore.

"Enemies standing under mistletoe could declare a truce," she said, adding "a young lady under mistletoe could not refuse a kiss. If she remained unkissed, she could not expect to marry the following year."

Long-Smith also singled out ivy as a vigorous vine that is readily available in many yards and makes an excellent green for holiday arrangements. In keeping with the season, frankincense and myrrh will also be discussed and how when combined with other spices including cinnamon, they create a myriad of scents.

"The sweet smoke dispelled the unwanted scents of unwashed bodies, of refuse, animals and dung in the streets and was used as an inspect repellent," she noted.

Participants can expect an informal and interactive workshop from Long-Smith and will also have ample time to ask questions.

Admission to the workshop is $3 and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch. Coffee will be provided.

For more information, call (413) 322-5660.