Sussex Gardeners decorate Zwaanendael Museum for holidays

To decorate the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes for the holidays, Sussex Gardeners, led by President Dianne Shawley, used the theme, It’s a Marshmallow World.

The motif was inspired by the museum’s Nov. 30 program, “A Snack by Any Other Name: A brief history of marshmallows.” Sussex Gardeners provided a whimsical decor of marshmallows, candy canes, pine cones and holly. The inside windows are depictions of holiday scenes. The inside railings are decorated with garland. The color theme is carried out in the traditional red, white and green.

Live wreaths are hung on the outside doors and windows. Large planters filled with live greenery are placed on either side of the main doors. Live garland embellished with decorations and ribbons adorns the outside railings. The kiosk and museum sign are both decorated with live garland adorned in keeping with the theme.

The arrangements and displays are created by the Civic Beautification Committee of Sussex Gardeners. The committee, consisting of five to eight members, volunteered to provide their talents and creativity to design and install the various displays and decorations.

An additional feature of this year’s display, in keeping with the State of Delaware’s A Tree for Every Delawarean initiative, is a sculpture created by Sussex Gardeners member Susan Mielke. With inspiration provided by the view from her home, the designer used wire trees to create the display.

Sussex Gardeners is a member of National Garden Clubs Inc., Central Atlantic Region of State Garden Clubs Inc., and the Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs. For more information about Sussex Gardeners, email sussexgardeners@gmail.com.