Bulletin #7014, Farmer Skill and Knowledge Checklist: Wreath, Garland, and Centerpiece-Makers

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Bulletin #7014, Farmer Skill and Knowledge Checklist: Wreath, Garland, and Centerpiece-Makers (PDF)

holiday wreathDeveloped by Agriculture and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional, Dave Fuller, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Richard Brzozowski, Program Administrator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Reviewed by wreath makers Dr. Clark Granger and Judy Smith, Community Education Assistant, UMaine Cooperative Extension.

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.
Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu/publications/.

This list is designed for wreath, garland, or centerpiece makers in Maine who wish to continually gain knowledge and skills to improve the likelihood of having a more profitable business. The maker can use this list to identify specific skills or knowledge to be gained or improved upon. As a wreath, garland, or centerpiece maker, feel free to customize this list to suit your needs.

Circle your current and desired (target) competence using this scale:

1=No knowledge/skill
2=Some knowledge/skill
3=Well-informed/experienced
Recommended knowledge My current
level		 My target
level
Pre-Season Preparations
Be familiar with the terms used in wreath, garland, or centerpiece making in Maine. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be able to identify the trees and plants that are typically used for wreath, garland, or centerpiece making well in advance of the harvest season. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to determine the readiness of greenery harvest. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know the regulations regarding the legal harvest and transportation of conifer tips on private properties and public lands in Maine. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to identify landowners who may have potential sites for tip or plant harvest. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be familiar with reliable supply sources for wreath and garland making hardware, natural decorations, pre-made decoration accessories, packaging, boxes, and marketing-related items. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be familiar with all frame sizes for wreaths and their projected popularity for the coming season. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Pests
Recognize the insect and disease problems that affect needle retention on fabricated products. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Understand the various needlecast diseases of balsam fir and the fungi that cause them. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be able to detect the various needlecast diseases on boughs of balsam fir. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Harvest
Be able to distinguish the various conifer trees as well as leaf and berry bearing plants for use in making wreaths, garlands or centerpieces. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be able to detect the presence of Balsam Gall Midge on harvested tips (to reject these tips). 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how and when to safely and efficiently tip appropriate trees in harvesting greenery. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to safely use loppers, pole pruners, and hand shears for harvesting tips. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to store tips to retain quality and freshness. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Fabrication & Design
Know how to safely handle wire for wreath or garland making, protecting hands, arms, face, and eyes from possible injury. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to efficiently and safely make a wreath or garland by hand. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to efficiently and safely make a wreath or garland by machine. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to design centerpieces of various sizes and designs. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to add value to the items you fabricate. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Packing & Shipping
Know how to properly pack items so as not to mold while in shipment. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know the regulations for shipping greenery in state, out-of-state, and out-of-country via the US Postal Service or other shipping service. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Business
Be able to survey potential customers for their projected needs of wreaths, garlands, or centerpieces. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be able to calculate the selling price of each unit for breakeven as well as the selling price for a targeted profit. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be able to keep and use production records for your enterprise. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be able to keep and use financial records related to your enterprise. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know how to effectively market your wreath, garland, or centerpiece products. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Know the regulations for hiring employees for your enterprise. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be familiar with local and national associations for which wreath, garland or centerpiece makers might benefit. 1 2 3 1 2 3
Be familiar with trades shows and other venues at which wreath, garland, or centerpiece makers might benefit by participating. 1 2 3 1 2 3

Related Resources

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

© 2019

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