Forage and Craft on Wadmalaw Island: Wreath Workshop with CTG Agronomist Lucy

On Wadmalaw Island, a short drive from Charleston, a crisp winter morning on the farm becomes an invitation to learn and make. The Christmas Wreath Making Class with CTG's Agronomist Lucy is a two-hour, small-group workshop that pairs light foraging across tea fields, live oaks, and hedgerows with hands-on wreath construction. Participants meet at 9:30 to walk the property and practice plant identification, then reconvene for tea at the pavilion before assembling wreaths starting around 10:15. The event runs roughly 9:30–11:00, is family-friendly (minimum age five), and asks guests to bring gloves, garden pruners, and creativity. What sets this class apart is the combination of place-based knowledge and do-it-yourself craft. Lucy guides you to seasonal materials—evergreen sprigs, dried seed heads, Spanish moss, sprigs from tea shrubs and coastal shrubs—and explains why particular stems work structurally and aesthetically. The farm’s lowcountry setting supplies the palette: geometric rows of tea shrubs, moss-draped oaks, and nearby salt marsh plants create a distinct coastal hearth style that differs from mountain wreath traditions. You leave with an assembled wreath ready to hang and a new skill set: sensible cuts, wiring techniques, and an eye for balance. Beyond technique, the class is a primer in mindful harvesting. Lucy emphasizes sustainable foraging on working agricultural land and shows how to gather materials without harming plants or soil. That stewardship makes the workshop a meaningful way to connect with local ecology: you’re learning about living landscapes shaped by South Carolina’s climate and agricultural history while taking home a tangible reminder. Logistics are straightforward: spots are limited and advance booking is recommended; the workshop is short enough to pair with other island activities like a scenic drive, a visit to nearby plantations, or a ferry ride into Charleston. The mix of botanical education and craft makes the class suitable for individuals, families, and small friend groups who want a creative, low-impact seasonal activity. Expect hands-on instruction on assembling a sturdy base using gathered materials and common tools; Lucy demonstrates building several structural layers so wreaths hold through humid coastal winters. The class runs rain or shine under the pavilion, with warm tea served mid-session. Children five and up can help, making it multigenerational. Because this is an active outdoor morning, dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a box to transport your wreath. The experience is as much about learning seasonal plant relationships as it is about leaving with a handmade accent.