I have to admit I was pretty pleased with myself. You see, last fall I had such a hard time coming up with pictures for the 2009 fall workshop flyer, I was determined not to be in the same position again. So back in October, in an uncharacteristic moment of preparedness on my part, when the ornamental kale was in full color, and plenty of mums were still very colorful, and we had lots of grasses, gourds, and goodies, Barbara and I designed many of the 2010 classes. Ed even took some fantastic pictures of them.

So I was feeling pretty smug as I got out my notes and prepared to come up with one or two new classes for the dates that were still missing projects. I casually asked our new designer, Bart Krug, to help me think up a few. Of course, I was blown away. I had to scrap a few of my ideas to make room for Bart’s. Then we spent a whole day taking pictures of the new classes. (I took the pictures this time, instead of Ed, and as a reminder to myself, I must not quit my day job to become a photographer if I expect to earn a living. I really thought the neutral, brown background was nice, until the finished fall flyer arrived on my desk. I hate to admit it, but Ed was right with the plain background.)

So what we ended up with was the best of the best, and quite possibly our most interesting fall workshop list ever! Take a moment to look at the pictures here online, as they are much nicer than the one inch squares on the flyer. Join us for some fall fun with fabulous friends and make some memories with us.
 

 Scarecrows for Solutions - $15.00

Sunday September 26, 2010 - between 9 am and 4 pm

Stuff a life-sized scarecrow with hay. Then accessorize him with patches, scarves, hats, and other cool decorations.

The entire $15 fee will be donated to a non-profit organization of your choice. You need to pick a day, but not the time you are coming. Click the link below to choose which day and just show up anytime that day between 9 am and 4 pm. You can pick the organization you would like to support on the day you make the scarecrow.

Last year we raised over $3700 to help 20 organizations! Everyone on our farm feels very proud of this activity, and we are thrilled to be able to emphasize the "fun" in fundraiser!

If you don't want to make a scarecrow, but would like to participate, we are accepting donations of old clothes, especially pants and long-sleeved shirts. Bring them to the nursery anytime.

Scouts, Schools, Scholarships, Benefits, Youth Groups, Research, Food Banks, and more. If you would like your group to be involved, give Tina a call 508-885-4247 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Now and Again - $29.95

Wednesday September 22 , 2010 - 10 am OR 7 pm

These plants were chosen to add drama into December! Enjoy the ornamental kale with its bright colors well into December. Expect the perennial Asters & Silver Mound to look good into October, and then return to your garden to thrive and bloom for years to come. This arrangement will be designed in a very classy ceramic container that will also last for years. GREAT VALUE!

Hydrangea Harvest Half Day Workshop - $49.

Saturday September 25 , 2010 - 9 am OR 1 pm

In just 3 hours you will make a lovely hydrangea wreath with fresh-picked mauve, chartreuse and cream hydrangea blossoms. You will then create a matching arrangement in a ceramic vase using even more hydrangeas, as well as grasses, grains, twigs and pods. Finally, you’ll make a table swag echoing the materials & style of your arrangement for a complete, unified ensemble. These unique decorations, created by our designer Bart Krug, will last in your home for at least two years.

Scarecrows for Solutions - $15.00

Sunday September 26, 2010 - between 9 am and 4 pm

Stuff a life-sized scarecrow with hay. Then accessorize him with patches, scarves, hats, and other cool decorations.

The entire $15 fee will be donated to a non-profit organization of your choice. You need to pick a day, but not the time you are coming. Click the link below to choose which day and just show up anytime that day between 9 am and 4 pm. You can pick the organization you would like to support on the day you make the scarecrow.

Last year we raised over $3700 to help 20 organizations! Everyone on our farm feels very proud of this activity, and we are thrilled to be able to emphasize the "fun" in fundraiser!

If you don't want to make a scarecrow, but would like to participate, we are accepting donations of old clothes, especially pants and long-sleeved shirts. Bring them to the nursery anytime.

Scouts, Schools, Scholarships, Benefits, Youth Groups, Research, Food Banks, and more. If you would like your group to be involved, give Tina a call 508-885-4247 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"Thing" - $29.95

Sunday September 26, 2010 - 3 pm

Greet guests like Gomez and Morticia from the Addams Family did, with a ghoulish “high-five.” You can almost hear Lurch’s answering “You rang?” and see Uncle Fester illuminate a light bulb. Includes the pumpkin and two mums. This is a very clever design that is sure to turn heads. (can you tell that Bart likes Halloween??).

Simple Elegance - $29.95

Wednesday September 29, 2010 - 10 am OR 6 pm

This hydrangea wreath with freshly-picked, soft mauve, chartreuse & cream blooms is very popular, yet very easy. Enhances many styles of home décor from country to contemporary. We have been teaching this class for 11 years and everyone from the “craft-challenged” to the experienced designer leaves with a perfect wreath that can be enjoyed inside for two or more years. When you get tired of it, or it gets dusty, spray-paint it gold for the holidays.

Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat) - $29.95

Sunday October 3, 2010 - 3 pm

When this black cat crosses your path, we think you’ll have GOOD luck with all the compliments you will get for your cleverness. Includes all the accessories shown ( black cat, white gourd and “black” gourd)! (This was Tina’s favorite class until Bart out-designed her with his “Witches Brew” and “Thing” projects. Why not make all three for your best Halloween House ever? Many of the accessories can be reused for years to come, and next year you can give them your own twist.

Witches Brew - $29.95

Wednesday October 6 , 2010 - 10 am OR 7 pm

Cast a spell over your guests with a potion of bubbling brew dripping down the side of a 4 foot cauldron. We will be using ornamental kale and Silver cascade Artemisia for plants, as well as King Tut Papyrus dried seed heads for interest. The pot is stirred by an invisible witch with a visible witch’s hat, using a real Home-made broom (which could come in handy in case your car breaks down). (it is a little hard to see in the picture, but there is a hat on top of the cauldron) This class was designed by Bart, modeled by our bookkeeper, Dawn, and is Tina’s favorite! The black cauldron is made with an incredible twig-based plant stand that you can replant year after year in the spring with spectacular spillers.

Harvest Moon - $29.95

Wednesday October 13, 2010 - 10 am OR 7 pm

Mimic the haunting, burnt orange hues of the harvest moon with this indoor or outdoor wreath full of mini pumpkins & gourds, and a big, black Halloween bow. The picture shows all mini-pumpkins, but you will be able to choose from a selection of real gourds and mini-pumpkins to create a one-of-a-kind wreath.

Pumpkin Bumpkin - $29.95

Sunday October 24, 2010 - 3 pm

Straight from the cover of Family Circle Magazine! Everyone always has a blast at this one, and it’s the best class to experience with the kids in your life. A three-tiered pumpkin totem pole with overalls and all the “fixin’s” to make him or her one-of-a-kind.

Lose the Blues - $29.95

Sunday October 31, 2010 - 3 pm is FULL

Sunday October 31, 2010 -  2 pm

Stuff a vast number of tulips daffodils, & hyacinths in a large pot. Cure the winter blues by picking up your finished pot in February to enjoy a month of color & fragrance. If you had to choose just one class, we highly recommend this one We really cram about $50 of bulbs into the pot by planting them in layers.
We over-winter it here in the greenhouses that are heated to 32 degrees for 14 weeks so they can be tricked into thinking they are underground. You pick up the pot in February, put it inside a cool, sunny window, and you will have blooms for a month. All just when you think winter will never end.
This is one of the most highly rated classes we have, and people started reserving their spot for it back in February.
 

Participants will leave with a completed project to enjoy as well as to show off to their friends, family and neighbors. Workshops are priced above. The price on the $29.95 workshops drops to $25 each if one person signs themselves up for four or more total workshops.

Please note the photos are similar to the final project. In order to have photos ready well in advance of class there may be some differences. In many cases photo is from a previous year and the exact container may no longer be available.

Many workshops fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your space early. Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Refunds will be given up to 24 hours before workshop time, after that we will gladly save your materials for a week for you to come get.

The easiest way to register is by clicking the links above. You may also fill out the form on the bottom of this page. Fax it to us at (508) 885-4490 with credit card information. Or mail it with a check to:

Workshops, Bemis Farms Nursery, 29 North Brookfield Rd., Spencer, MA 01562-1304.

You may download a registration form here, or can highlight this registration portion and choose "Print Selection" from your print dialog box

Name____________________________________________

Address__________________________________________

Town____________________________ Zip _____________

E-mail ________________________________________

Telephone ________________________________________

Date, Time, and Name of 1st Workshop _________________________

Date, Time, and Name of 2nd Workshop _________________________

Date, Time, and Name of 3rd Workshop _________________________

Date, Time, and Name of 4th Workshop _________________________

Date, Time, and Name of 5th Workshop _________________________

Amount on Credit Card $ ___________________________

Card Number _____________________________________

Expiration Date ___________________________________

CVV code by signature strip (3 or 4 digits) _____________________

Name on card ____________________________________

Signature _______________________________________