Between the vibrant burst of perennials and the stubborn tangle of bittersweet vines, the seasons offer a constant cycle of new materials. It is a rhythm that has invited generations to pause, using the gifts of the land as an anchor for social connection and shared creativity.
That connection can easily get lost in the noise of daily life, making intentional gatherings even more vital. At Easthampton flower shop Bouquets of the Valley last month, the focus shifted from busy calendars to the tactile work of wreath-making. Over a dozen residents spent the afternoon twisting bittersweet and styling flowers, using the craft as a way to ground themselves in the season and the community.
“It’s a creative process,” said Wanda Roberge, looking for lavender to weave into the wreath she was braiding. Roberge and others twisted and curled bittersweet vines into circular shapes to create frames for various embellishments. Some participants attached lavender, different live and dried flowers like lilacs, and even ribbons to complete their spring wreaths.
The wreath-making class was part of the Flower Almanac, a year-long curriculum of events created by the co-owners of Bouquets of the Valley, Linda Markee and her daughter Alisha Markee.
“My friend saw the class and asked if anyone wanted to join,” said Sara Rege, who traveled with several friends from Belchertown for the class. “I said absolutely, I need a wreath for the spring-summer.”
The mother-daughter duo spent the past year putting together the almanac, which features various workshops, classes and field trips for each season. The first class started in late March. At the final spring workshop on May 7, participants created Mother’s Day bouquets using peonies, lilacs, lilies and other seasonal flowers.
“It’s a year-long curriculum designed to help our neighbors slow down and reconnect with the rhythm of the seasons,” Linda Markee said about the almanac.
The summer cycle will kick off on June 18 with a posy hand-tying class that doubles as a writing workshop, where participants will create messages to accompany their bouquets. Other summer sessions include a flower-pressing class and a sunflower-tying bundle class. The fall and winter cycles will follow.
Linda noted that each season features different “series” of classes, such as “excursions” like the one planned for Emily Dickinson’s garden in July. The wreath-making workshop was part of the heirloom series, which consists of classes where Markee teaches traditional crafts.
While Linda said the almanac is a way to connect people to nature and bring neighbors together, it is also about teaching crafts and recognizing the history of those who passed them down.
“The thought was, let’s start thinking about women’s history and even botanical history,” said Linda, noting that she felt it is often overlooked. “I realized that the classes we wanted to teach could do that.”
Drawing inspiration from the historical women of the Valley and throughout the state, Linda wove excursions into the almanac — including visits to Sojourner Truth’s landmarks in Florence and the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House in Concord.
“We’ve always been really influenced by women and historical women,” said Alisha Markee, adding that she grew up reading “Little Women” a novel by Alcott. “I was always into history and actually grew up doing history competitions.”
A picture of Linda’s mother, Hilda White-Markee, sits perched atop a cabinet in the corner of the shop. Linda noted that her mother was one of the primary figures who inspired her love for hands-on crafts utilizing natural elements.
“She would set the table every Sunday which would only be for our family and she would shine out, bring some fresh flowers and she would make everything just a little special,” Linda said about her mother. “It was her way of saying ‘I love you.'”
“She made me think about how women have used domestic activities like gardening or writing to have revolutionary thoughts,” she added.
For more information and to sign-up for one of the Flower Almanac activities, visit bouquetsofthevalley.square.site/thefloweralmanac.
