W.W. Seymour Conservatory Newsletter | November 2023

Wonder: Winter Flower Show

Immerse yourself in the rich colors of the season

Winter Wonderland Blooms: Poinsettia take Center Stage

Visit during the Wonder: Winter Flower Show and see 10 different poinsettias, vibrant tropical foliage and whimsical touches throughout our historical conservatory. Free admisson!

Notes from the Glass House

The Conservatory is a magical place and nothing highlights that magic more than the month of December. The bright colors, the sweet smells and steamy warmth that greets you as you walk in from the winter cold is something that I never take for granted.

I’ve had the fortune to be a part of the conservatory’s story for 24 years. I’ve carried on the traditions that were set before me and I’ve had the opportunity to welcome in new traditions as our community’s needs and wants change. To prepare for a merry month of new and old traditions, the conservatory will be closed Nov. 27 through Dec. 1 while staff spend the week on plant maintenance, decorations and filling the conservatory with more that 400 beautiful poinsettias.

This year, with the support of our community partner Amazon, the conservatory is excited to bring a wide variety of fun wintry experiences. We’re debuting four new holiday workshops where participants can create a botanical giftable treasure, a winter music series, two opportunities for photos with Santa and more!

On Dec. 2 the conservatory is hosting our first ever Black Santa - a dream come true for many in our community, myself included, with professional photographer Sangkros Lok on site for free photos. Welcome Santa Brandon!

On Dec. 9 Santa Tony returns for his fifth year of photos at the conservatory. Santa Tony spends his days as a carpenter for Metro Parks and embodies the jolly gentle spirit of Santa. During Selfies with Santa families will be able to take a photo with Santa both inside and out of the conservatory. Santa loves to be on the move!

We have a holiday season planned in the conservatory like no other and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Sincerely,

Tyra Shenaurlt

W.W. Seymour Conservatory Supervisor

The Conservatory Celebrates 115 Years

Photo sourced from Tacoma Public Library.

In 1906, William Wolcott Seymour donated $10,000 to the City of Tacoma to help beautify the city. The City Council voted on a variety of proposals and, in the end, recommended the money go towards building the conservatory.

Construction began in February 1908 and by July the conservatory was complete. However, the grand opening had to wait for various projects to be completed didn’t happen until November 14, 1908.

Important question: Would you consider the conservatory a Scorpio? Or a Cancer based on when the building was completed? We may need a city-wide poll!

Sprouting Soon at the Conservatory

Santa Visits the Conservatory

Sat, Dec 2

10 am-1 pm

Visit with Santa and memorialize your time with a professional photograph. Enjoy treats, warm beverages, and quirky holiday crafts.

Seymour Winter Music Series

Dec 3; 1-2:30 pm

Dec 10; 3-4:30 pm

Dec 14; 6:30-8 pm

Dec 17; 1-2:30 pm

Join us for throughout December for our Winter Music Series at the Conservatory with Gretchen Yanover, Tim Bertsch, and more.

Learn More

Selfies with Santa

Sat, Dec 9

10 am-2 pm

Visit with Santa and capture a fun memory using your phone or Santa’s helper can snap an instant photo in one of the indoor or outdoor photo stations. Enjoy treats, warm beverages, and quirky holiday crafts.

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Cocoa and Carols

Sat, Dec 9

4-6 pm

Bundle up and warm up your voices, we’re gathering around the fire and singing together to our hearts content. Holiday Sing Along will be guided by classical singer, Teresa Lin.

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Festive Family/Friend Photos

Tue, Oct. 31

9:15 am-1:30 pm

Gather your favorite people and visit the conservatory for a group photo by photographer and friend of the conservatory, Sangkros Lok.

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Holiday Workshops

Sundays

Dec 3, 10, 17, 24

11 am-2 pm

(Ages 12+) Drop in and create a handmade botanical themed treasure for someone special or yourself. We'll have everything on hand for you to make one of a kind giftable treasure

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In partnership with

To our Members

Save the Date: Member Open House on Friday Dec, 1

Join us for our exclusive Member Open House on Friday, Dec 1 from 5-7 pm.

As a valued member of our community and supporter of the Conservatory, your presence is hightly anticipated for a festive evening of refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and poinsettias! Immerse yourself in the annual holiday display that celebrates both the season and the unique greenhouse environment that makes this event possible.

Don’t forget to make use of your special member discount in the gift shop to help with your holiday shopping list!

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Brooke Casanova

Conservatory Foundation Board President

Other Events You May Enjoy

Holiday Blast at Norpoint

Presented by Kitsap Credit Union

Sat, Dec 9; 1-4 pm

Free! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch for a holiday celebration to remember! Activities include cookie decorating, arts & crafts, a selfie station, popcorn, hot cocoa station, inflatables and holiday bingo and more.

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Holiday Blast at Eastside

Presented by Kitsap Credit Union

Sat, Dec 16; 11 am-2 pm

Join fellow community members to give back to city parks and green spaces during the Green Tacoma Day and Arbor Day celebration. Having access to healthy parks and urban green spaces is vital to our quality of life.

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Jingle Bell Run

Presented by PacificSource Health Plans

Sat, Dec 16; 10 am-3 pm

This holiday 3-mile run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend active time outdoors during the busy holiday season.

Learn More