With the holidays right around the corner, a perfectly timed, free class on rhododendron care is on the books. The Kitsap Chapter of the American Rhododendron Club presents a “hands on” rhododendron maintenance workshop at 9 a.m. Nov. 1 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church on Bainbridge Island. Bring gloves and hand pruners. For more information contact Carol at (360) 271-4409 or Lynn at (206) 842-5464.

The changing seasons and cooler temperatures also remind us that it’s not too early to think about making holiday wreaths for ourselves or to give as gifts. The annual Holiday Open House at Bainbridge Gardens is Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

As a gift back to the community, the nursery features a coupon good for 40 percent off on anything the nursery has for sale. That includes trellises, fountains, large trees — a host of temptations. You can also sign up to use the wreath maker. Demonstrations are at 11 a.m. Nov. 22, 1 p.m. Nov. 23 and 11 a.m. Dec. 3.

If you’re looking for ideas for the holidays, Valley Nursery’s Christmas preview party is November 21-23. Visit www.valleynurseryinc.com/calendar/default.asp for a month by month listing of activities at the nursery. Valley now has a heated, comfortable classroom in the house on the site. You can also attend wreath making demonstrations and sign up to use their wreath maker. Visit www.valleynurseryinc.com/classes.htm for a listing of winter workshops at the nursery.

Both Valley and Bainbridge Gardens recommend reserving the wreath maker soon. Call Valley Nursery at (360) 779-3806 and Bainbridge Gardens at (206) 842-5888.

Both nurseries have wreath greenery available for purchase or you can bring your own.

If you bring your own greenery it’s recommended the branches are cut in 18-inch or shorter pieces. Remember, too, to pick up after yourself and take your leftover greenery home with you.

Dress for the weather (in layers) and bring gloves and hand pruners. Make it a party with friends and have lunch at the New Rose Café at Bainbridge Gardens or from Valley Nursery head in to Poulsbo for lunch.

This is also the perfect time of year to haunt all our local nurseries with gift shops. Here are a host of them to peruse: Country Nursery and Gardens (Seabeck Highway), Clear Creek Nursery (Clear Creek Road), Peninsula Gardens (Gig Harbor), Rosedale Nursery (Gig Harbor), Bremerton City Nursery (Adele, West Bremerton), Cooleen Gardens (Perry Avenue, East Bremerton), Sacks Feed and Garden (Kingston), Savage Plants (Kingston), Valley Nursery (Poulsbo), Bainbridge Gardens (Bainbridge Island) and Bay Hay (Bainbridge Island). You’ll be amazed and charmed at the abundant temptations and unique finds, many at very affordable prices. You’ll also be supporting our locally owned businesses and the green industry.

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