News Brief from Clemson University ’s Public Service & Agriculture Media Relations.

DATE: 10/7/04

CONTACT: Christine Drais, (864) 656-6205

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Sprouting Wings taking orders for holiday wreaths

CLEMSON -- Sprouting Communities: Seasonal Plants and Crafts, a garden-based business operated by students from Seneca Middle School , will offer holiday wreaths to pre-order at the South Carolina Botanical Garden 's Fall Plant Sale this weekend, Oct. 8 and 9. The plant sale on Oct. 8 will be from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 9.

There are four styles to choose from. They are:

Fruit and Spice Wreath: Made with mixed greenery, decorated with hand-dried slices of orange, grapefruit and apple, then accented with cinnamon sticks and a raffia bow. Cost is $30.

Elegance Wreath: Covered with holly berries, shiny cones and an elegant red and gold velvet bow. Cost is $25.

Traditional Wreath: Made with fresh cut cedar, pine and fir and decorated with a red velvet bow. Cost is $20.

Natural Wreath: Made of all natural greenery. Cost is $15.

Sprouting Wings is an after-school program for children sponsored by the South Carolina Botanical Garden . The program is supported by the Betsy M. Campbell Children's Gardening Fund.  Participants 'sprout wings' while exploring and discovering the earth through gardening and nature activities. Along with volunteers, the children discover where their food comes from, create nature crafts, learn about horticulture and participate in community service projects.

“If anyone cannot attend the plant sale, they may order by email at acraddo@clemson.edu and mail a check or drop by the garden and place their order at the Discovery Center during regular business hours,” said Christine Drais, public relations director for the garden. Discovery Center hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

The garden is located on the Clemson University campus at the intersection of Highway 76 and Silas Pearman Blvd. It encompasses 295 acres of gardens, streams and woodlands, and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, free of charge.

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