YOUNGSTOWN — A longtime Youngstown landmark is blooming again just in time for the holidays.

Youngstown CityScape hosted its first-ever Christmas porch pot decorating workshop Monday at the former Briel’s Flowers and Greenhouse, marking a milestone in the nonprofit’s ongoing effort to restore and reimagine the historic property on the city’s West Side.

The workshop took place at what is now known as CityScape at Briel’s, 2326 Belle Vista Ave., and was led by Sharon Letson, executive director of CityScape and a master gardener, along with Martha McCorkle Morgan, CityScape’s development director.

According to Morgan, all 15 available spots filled within two hours of being posted online, reflecting strong community enthusiasm for hands-on gardening activities.

During the workshop, attendees were guided step-by-step in creating festive porch pots using fresh evergreens such as white cedar, fraser fir and juniper. Decorative accents included red twig dogwood, dried berries, ribbons, bows and even gingerbread figures.

Cookies and hot chocolate added to the cozy atmosphere inside the greenhouse.

“People get intimidated,” Letson said as she reassured participants who doubted their creativity. “We want to encourage them to enjoy themselves and have fun.”

Among those attending was Donna Hageman, 79, who has lived on the West Side for more than 30 years and fondly remembers shopping at Briel’s.

“It was a mainstay of the community,” she said. “There was nothing quite like it. I’m so glad to see new life breathed into this building.”

Sue Vekasy, 62, of Austintown — who grew up on the West Side — attended with her longtime friend Lisa Frederick, whom she has known since 1985. Vekasy created her porch pot for her 3-year-old granddaughter, Rylin. Frederick recalled the quality and variety of plants once available at Briel’s.

At age 90, Eleanor Rush of Newton Falls was one of the workshop’s oldest participants. Though she no longer gardens regularly, she said the class sounded like fun and she enjoyed being creative again.

The workshop represents just the beginning of CityScape’s plans for the site. Future classes will include workshops on growing small amounts of food, cooking with garden-raised produce, composting, raised-bed gardening and herbs.

CityScape acquired the former Briel’s Flowers and Greenhouse in 2021 after the family-run business closed in 2020 following 96 years of service. Once the last remaining family-owned greenhouse in Youngstown, the property is now being transformed into a community gardening hub and resource center. Renovations have included replacing old greenhouse glass with energy-efficient polycarbonate panels, making the space more durable and easier to maintain.

CityScape at Briel’s now offers plant sales, educational classes, a maker’s market for local artisans and a gift shop, while preserving the historic greenhouse for public use. The site is also available for gardening groups, community meetings, small gatherings and parties.

Beyond the greenhouse, CityScape supports 22 neighborhood gardens across Youngstown, providing plants, mulch, tools, gloves and design assistance. Under the CityScape umbrella, every city greenspace planted by its crews is tended and maintained.

Funding for the Briel’s project comes from Community Development Block Grants through The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with support from donors, including the City of Youngstown, the Frank & Pearl E. Gelbman Charitable Foundation via Huntington National Bank and members of the Briel family.

“We are excited to continue the legacy of the Briel family, operating as a greenhouse and florist resource for the community,” Letson said. “This is another step in beautifying the Mahoning Valley.”

If the enthusiastic response to the holiday workshop is any indication, CityScape at Briel’s is well on its way to becoming a vibrant gathering place where memories, creativity and community continue to grow.