11/09/2025
Greetings!
It's most certainly been a moment since we've sent out a newsletter, but with the holiday season quickly approaching, there's a bit more to share. This year has been oh so busy and, without question, the remaining weeks are certain to come and go in a flash—so let's get to it!
For those of you curious about my overwhelming absence from the Franklin Farmers Markets, I have been freelancing as an event florist. While I do miss seeing friends and familiar faces at the market, I know things are in good hands with Bette. Bless her for covering week after week and a very public 'Thank You' for helping ensure that we can continue to be a part of the very vibrant Franklin Farmers Market while also allowing the business to take new directions... (Also, how lucky are we to have such an amazing market in town? A million thank yous to Lauren and Roger for all that they do!)
I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive community: not only family to step in when needed, but also incredible floral design mentors who have graciously offered me opportunities to learn and grow, regular customers who keep the lights on, and local businesses that support us by purchasing our flowers and opening up their spaces to let us host workshops and engage with their communities.
Let's be real for a second. This year was tough for us farmers (isn't it always, but for different reasons!) We had an excess of rain in the early growing season, then drought for much of the summer. Per usual, there were many successes, but also quite a few busts! We make it work! But, really it's our supporters who are to thank for our successes. We're blessed with an understanding and supportive community that is there for us whatever fate and nature bring... You know who you are... and we appreciate and adore you.
Anyway, we have a lot of fun workshops coming up and more likely to be anounced, so please follow us on social if you aren't already. And if you're in need of florals for Thanksgiving, we are now accepting orders. I'm also hoping to have some new dried floral works available soon.
Thanks so much for following along and stay well.
--Ben
THANKSGIVING TABLE CENTERPIECES:
AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER
If you're looking for some festive florals to elevate your Thanksgiving holiday table, we've got you covered! Centerpieces, designed using seasonal flowers and foliage in autumnal hues, can be pre-ordered on our website and can be picked up on Wednesday, November 26th at the farm. The last day to place an order will be Friday, November 21st. To place an order, please visit our website. (https://www.oldexit17farm.com/product/thanksgiving-centerpiece-pre-order/101?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false)
SEASONAL FLORAL WORSHOPS AT TRI-COUNTY
Excited to be hosting a few more seasonal and holiday craft-related workshops at Tri-County Regional High School with our dear friend Marjorie Lydon of Gigi's Garden Flowers! These classes are a blast to be a part of and it's a joy to watch folks explore their creativity and leave with something beautiful. Here is a short recap of what's coming up - we hope you can join us!
Thanksgiving Cornucopia Design Workshop (https://registration.xendirect.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=4467) : November 18th
In this floral design workshop, we will create a striking horn of plenty design, featuring seasonal materials and the best of fall blooms. Create a classic cornucopia design with us and leave with an arrangement that will surely impress your dining guests.
Make an Evergreen Wreath with us (https://registration.xendirect.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=4468) !: December 1st
Start the holiday season off with a joyous wreath making workshop! Learn how to professionally create an evergreen wreath from scratch using a variety of seasonal greenery. You’ll leave with a gorgeous handmade wreath you’ll be thrilled to have hanging on your front door. Instructors will provide all materials, including a selection of ribbon and decorations, but if you wish to bring your own specific decorations for your wreath, this is welcomed!
Holiday Boxwood Tree Workshop (https://registration.xendirect.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=4469) : December 9th
Celebrate the season of evergreens! In this course, we will demonstrate how to create an elegant ‘Boxwood tree’, one of our favorite holiday designs. Following demonstration, instructors will guide you as you construct, and then decorate, your own boxwood tree. Instructors will provide all materials, but if you wish to bring your own specific decorations for your tree, this is, again, welcomed!
Winter Wonderland Floral Design Workshop: (https://registration.xendirect.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=4470) December 16th
Get ready to ring in the Winter Solstice with a class that celebrates the season and the stark & quiet beauty of a snowy landscape. We’ll be making texture-rich, evergreen centerpieces that will incorporate taper candles, pinecones, branches, seedpods, berries, and additional seasonal elements, fresh and dried. Create a beautiful centerpiece to place on your table, to be enjoyed through the holiday season ahead. Instructors will provide all materials, but if you wish to bring your own specific decorations for your centerpiece, this is, one more time for the cheap seats in the back, welcomed!
WHERE TO FIND US THIS FALL-WINTER SEASON:
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop at Flock & Flourish (https://www.flockandflourish.com/home) in Bellingham, MA: Monday, December 8th.
Winter Farmers Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm (https://www.fairmountfruit.com/winter-market) : Saturday, December 6th & Saturday, December 20th.
2025 A Wreath of Franklin (https://www.franklinma.gov/1174/2025-A-Wreath-of-Franklin) : Saturday, December 13th.
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
Click here for an update from Old Exit 17 Farm!
