Conyers Garden Club Hosts Creative Wreath Making Session
The Conyers Garden Club hosted a December 1, 2025, Garden Therapy session at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center. The CGC Garden Therapy sessions have been so popular that there is always a waiting list. The December 1 session was no exception; however, due to the size of the allotted space, only 20 seniors could participate in the session.
The December session was making wreaths using dried plant material. Club members donated all the plant material, ribbons and bows for this activity. The grapevine wreaths, glue guns and glue sticks, and floral wire were purchased with club treasury funds. Plant materials donated included proteas, pinecones, and a plethora of other plants. Prior to the start of the session, the 10 CGC members present set up 20 workstations so that each senior would start the activity with the same selection of plant material. Additional plant material was also available for those wanting more or different material. After a brief introduction to the using dried plants, the senior members were encouraged to have fun and be creative with the making of their wreaths. From a selection of bows and ribbons of various patterns and colors, each senior selected a bow for his/her wreath. CGC Members were on hand to assist any senior with motor or vision issues.
The seniors appeared to enjoy the challenge of using dried plants to create wreaths. Many expressed that they had never dried plants or considered working with dried plants other than purchasing lavender or other herbal sachets. Although each person started with the same materials, the resulting wreaths were as individual as those creating them. As the wreaths were completed, each participant posed for photos with his or her wreath. It was a delight to see the completed wreaths and the smiles on the faces of all the seniors as they showcased their wreaths. Comments from those participating in the session were very positive and gratitude was expressed by each person as he or she posed for photos. First time senior participants expressed amazement that the wreaths they made were theirs to have.
The Garden Therapy project at the Senior Center has been one the CGC’s most successful community service project. Allowing great engagement of the senior members in the community, this project has been a wonderful collaboration with the Rockdale County Senior Services Department. For the third year in a row, the CGC has also applied for a GCG Garden Therapy Grant for reimbursement of the funds for the club’s 2025-2026 Garden Therapy activities. These reimbursement grants have allowed the club to continue to serve the seniors in creative and engaging sessions. It is hoped that the grant will be awarded in time for the January 2026 Garden Therapy session.
