Over the years we have intermittently scheduled training mornings, or conducted bow making workshops before Wreath Week, or assigned new decorators to work with experienced decorators, but there was no real program to rely on. This year two of our best decorators, Past President Jackie Blombach and https://backbaytrees.org/ designer and webmaster Laurie Thomas did two workshops, training eight recruits in the fine art of decorating in our particular style. The topics included preparing the base wreath by fluffing, trimming, and attaching hangers, deciphering the order properly so the finished wreath reflects the client’s preference, choosing the bow, gathering the extra greens and materials, how to attach everything so nothing falls off in transit, what items to use only on indoor wreaths or only on outdoor wreaths, and so much more. One new member called the event a “fellowship of friends”, which is a good description. Below is a wreath created created by Laurie which shows great attention to detail, symmetry, and beauty.