Autumn in the Arboretum

Create Natural Holiday Stars with Field & Forest Crafts: Sunday, November 9

Join us in the classroom for up to three sessions at Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens with Erin Cox of Field and Forest Crafts and craft star decorations from natural materials such as willow, cattail, and bulrush. These handmade stars will help decorate the Arboretum for our December event, Deck the Boughs, and each participant will take one home.

Each 1½-hour session is free and open to 12 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. All materials are provided. Suitable for adults and youth ages 7 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. (Parent and child together count as one participant and receive materials for one project.)

Workshop Schedule

• 10:00 – 11:30 AM – Cattail Stars
• 1:00 – 2:30 PM – Bulrush Stars
• 2:45 – 4:15 PM – Willow Stars

About the Instructor

For Erin Cox, the art of weaving began “with one wonky basket — okay, maybe a few dozen.” Each attempt deepened her understanding of natural materials and the rhythms of the land. Over time, that curiosity became a creative calling, guided by the question: “I wonder if I can weave with that?”

“Basketry is both utility and art,” Erin says. “Let’s take nature in our hands and make something wonderful.”

Join us a Great Yarns and the YMCA in November:

Help us get ready for Deck the Boughs in December

This year we are retiring our evening Wintertide Lights event and ushering in what we hope will be a fresh tradition: Deck the Boughs. Running throughout December, Deck the Boughs is a daytime experience featuring trees with handcrafted ornaments.



What’s Changing — And Why

• From night to day: Rather than evening light displays, Deck the Boughs will be visible from dawn to dusk. This shift allows more flexible visitation hours, better accessibility for all ages, and avoids overlap with other nighttime holiday activities.
• Ornaments replace lights: Instead of relying on electric displays, the Arboretum will be adorned with ornaments crafted by workshop participants and the community— natural, handcrafted, and uniquely expressive.
• Community‑built and community owned: We are asking for hands-on participation. During November, join us in workshops to create stars and other ornaments from willow, cattail, and bulrush. You’ll take one home—and donate extras to decorate the Arboretum’s trees.
• Wish Tree: In December, venture down to the gazebo in the Arboretum to write a personal holiday wish on a tag and tie it to our Wish Tree.

November workshop dates and times:

Everett YMCA: members pom pom workshop Monday, November 10th, 11 a.m. - noon

Great Yarns: all welcome on Friday, November 14th, noon - 1:30 p.m.

Yarn and pom pom makers provided free of charge.

What to Look Forward to in December

Not only will visitors be able to enjoy decorations made from natural materials during the day, but we will also be celebrating the Solstice and the coming of longer days on December 21st at 7:53 a.m. with a sunrise walk through the Arboretum guided by board member and Master Gardener, Lee Borgata. Bring your luminary to help light the way.

Hot beverages and sweet treats provided, followed by family crafting from 10 a.m. to noon. The crown shown to the right is just one example of what you can make and take home. The family crafting is free and all materials are provided.



Yes, we know that's a sunset pictured above. But we liked the photo and hope you do, too.

News from Our Partners

Take a peek at what's in store in 2026 from the wonderful people who make the Perennial Border in the Arboretum so inspiring--the Master Gardeners. Their Winter speaker series is now available for viewing on their website.

James Gets Creative

James Secor, the volunteer responsible for keeping our pathways looking their best, got inspired today as he was blowing leaves off the area around the classroom. I was very impressed when he showed me the heart he had created.

If you want to check it out, it's in the plant sale area, just north of the classroom building. It may not last long, given the weather, but it's fun while it does. And rest assured, James will clean all the leaves up and put them in the recycling area.

Visiting the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland

I did notice one area where EA&G really stands out against Hoyt Arboretum: our wonderful volunteers. In 2024 Hoyt's 844 volunteers worked for 10,745 hours. Our 120 volunteers put in 5,436 hours.

Support Your Arboretum by Joining Today. We Need You More Than Ever.