Class Schedule July – December 2026

Basic Floral Design, Part 2 | July 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18 | IN-PERSON

In this course, participants will explore the elements and principles of design and floral techniques such as focal area, grouping, and basing with floral designer Mimi Cassick. In each step-by-step class, you will create designs including an asymmetrical design, a contemporary spray, a crescent-shaped design, a horizontal centerpiece, and a naturalistic landscape design. This course emphasizes specific placement of materials and how they pull the viewer’s eye through the design, using the elements and principles of design and floral techniques. All materials are supplied except for floral snips. All arrangements are yours to take home. Instructor: Mimi Cassick

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NEW! Botanical Escape: Designing with Tropicals | July 22 | IN-PERSON

Enjoy a tour of the tropical wing of the newly expanded Conservatory followed by a demonstration and hands-on lesson in the classroom. Participants will use a combination of exotic, unique and beautiful cut tropical flowers and foliage to create a lush, stunning, contemporary arrangement to take home. Instructor: David Pippin

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NEW! Reach for the Sun: Upright Floral Design Workshop | August 7 | IN-PERSON

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the drama and elegance of upright floral design, using sunflowers and complementary seasonal materials to create arrangements that draw the eye upward and command attention. Instructor Kate Hugo Vernon will focus on strong vertical structure, balance, and proportion, along with techniques for stabilizing tall stems and building supportive mechanics. You’ll learn how to layer line, texture, and color to achieve height without heaviness, resulting in a design that feels both bold and refined. Perfect for designers who want to stretch their skills and create pieces that truly stand tall. Instructor: Kate Hugo Vernon

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Locally-Grown Summer Centerpiece Workshop | August 13 | IN-PERSON

The participants will discover how to create breathtaking foam-free centerpieces using fresh, farm-sourced seasonal flowers and foliage. In this workshop, you will learn the step-by-step process of creating a free-flowing, organic-style centerpiece, paying special attention to color, shape and movement. We’ll be designing our centerpiece using the best locally grown blooms and foliage available. Instructor Svetlana Green will share helpful tips and tricks on sustainable floral practices, flower handling and care, choosing a color palette, and creating a unique breathtaking design. You’ll leave this class with the basics of floral design mastered and a gorgeous centerpiece to take home and enjoy! Instructor: Svetlana Green

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NEW! Don’t Be a Chicken of Chicken Wire: Creating Sustainable Designs | August 28 | IN-PERSON

Step beyond floral foam and into sustainable design mechanics with instructor Kate Hugo Vernon. In this immersive workshop, participants will learn how to use chicken wire to create strong, flexible stem support without compromising artistry. You’ll master techniques that allow delicate, water-loving blooms — including dahlias, zinnias, and cosmos — to hydrate naturally while maintaining intentional placement and structure. The result: environmentally conscious arrangements with refined control and elevated design. Instructor: Kate Hugo Vernon

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Nuts and Bolts of Floral Design | September 1, 8, 15, 22 | IN-PERSON

Join this course after completing Basic Floral Design Parts I & II (or equivalent floral arranging experience) to continue exploring elements and principles of floral design with instructor Mimi Cassick. You’ll expand on your knowledge of every step of the design process, including how to choose flowers, how to know how many flowers to buy, and how to create a theme for your floral arrangements. We’ll also explore new trends in floral design, preparing you to create stunning, trendy floral arrangements that impress! Instructor: Mimi Cassick

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NEW! From Colonial America to Today | September 2 | IN-PERSON

In the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, instructor David Pippin focuses on Early American/Colonial style floral design. Spotlighting locally grown flowers, participants will create garden-style arrangements with eco-friendly alternatives to floral foam. Bring your own pitcher or crock and work with David to create a foliage grid embellished with gorgeous flowers for a unique, stunning, and sustainable design. Instructor: David Pippin

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Fall Botanical Whimsy | September 17 | IN-PERSON

Embrace the beauty of nature’s untamed elegance in Botanical Whimsy, a floral design course dedicated to creating loose, organic, and garden-inspired arrangements. This class will explore techniques for designing with movement, texture, and open air, while celebrating the charm of locally sourced blooms and foliage. Students will learn how to work with seasonal materials, create naturalistic compositions, and develop their own artistic style. Perfect for flower lovers of all skill levels. Instructor: Kate Hugo Vernon

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NEW! Fall Florals in the Victorian Style | September 22 | IN-PERSON

Victorian florals were often full, lush, and created with materials from their gardens. Grace Arents (1848 – 1926) loved gardening, and left her property to be a botanical garden in memory of her uncle, Lewis Ginter. As a tribute to Grace, we remember the centennial anniversary of her passing with beautiful arrangements made from garden and florist materials. To stay authentic to the time period, we will not be using floral foam for our arrangements. Instructor: David Pippin

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NEW! Beginner Koryu Ikebana | September 23 | IN-PERSON

In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of free style ikebana through the Koryu School, a distinguished tradition with more than 250 years of history in Japan. Participants will explore basic techniques, design principles, and the aesthetic philosophy of ikebana while creating their own unique arrangements. Instructor: Rie Russo

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NEW! Fall Flower Crown Workshop | September 26 | IN-PERSON

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for a day of crafting autumn themed flower crowns! Learn to make your own flower crown using fresh floral material in gorgeous fall colors. Clare will teach you how to choose flowers that will hold their color and shape as they dry into a lasting headpiece. Instructor: Clare Reines

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NEW! Art in Bloom: Art Nouveau Floral Design | September 29 | IN-PERSON

Discover the elegance and beauty of the Art Nouveau movement through floral design. Inspired by the period’s graceful, flowing lines and celebration of nature, participants will explore how artists and designers incorporated the organic forms of flowers, vines, and garden plants into their work. Instructor: David Pippin

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Basic Floral Design, Part 1 | September 29, October 6, 13, 27, November 3 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to create the basic shapes and styles of floral designs—the building blocks for true creativity—with floral designer Mimi Cassick. This course will introduce you to techniques and styles commonly used by professionals. Learn preparation techniques, how to create basic shapes and how to prepare flowers for long-lasting arrangements. Learn the basics of cut flower care and handling, and receive a manual with pictures and descriptions of the most commonly used flowers in floral design. All materials are supplied except for floral snips and all arrangements are yours to take home. Instructor: Mimi Cassick

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Locally Grown Hand-Tied Bouquets | October 15 | IN-PERSON

Learn the step-by-step process of creating a free-flowing, organic-style bouquet, paying special attention to shape and movement. Design your bouquet using the best locally grown blooms and foliage available. Svetlana will share helpful tips and tricks on flower handling and care, choosing a color palette, and creating a well-rounded design. You’ll leave this class with the basics of floral design mastered and a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet to carry home and enjoy! Instructor: Svetlana Green

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NEW! Art in Bloom: Art Deco Floral Design | October 23 | IN-PERSON

Bold colors, striking geometric forms, and elegant sophistication define the Art Deco era. Following a brief lecture and discussion exploring the characteristics and influence of this iconic design movement, participants will create their own floral arrangement inspired by the period. Using vibrant plant materials and distinctive geometric shapes, students will design a unique composition that captures the glamour and creativity of Art Deco style. Instructor: David Pippin

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NEW! Autumnal Sunset: Paint a Picture in Flowers | October 29 | IN-PERSON

Capture the rich colors and textures of an autumn sunset in this hands-on floral design workshop. Using a curated mix of fresh blooms, seasonal foliage, and grasses, you’ll learn how to create depth, movement, and color harmony in a lush centerpiece inspired by nature’s most dramatic evening skies. Perfect for beginners and experienced designers alike, this class celebrates the beauty of fall while encouraging creativity and personal expression through flowers. Instructor: Kate Hugo Vernon

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Dueling Designers: Triple Threat | November 4 | IN-PERSON

Join us as we take this holiday tradition to the next level for a triple threat holiday designers challenge. This highly entertaining and educational floral design competition features David Pippin, Al Brockwell and Kate Vernon. During the event, all three designers will simultaneously create gorgeous and unique holiday designs using the same container, sourcing from the combined available materials. You’ll laugh through the evening while gaining ideas for your own holiday décor. David, Al and Kate will provide tips and tricks along the way and show off their final creations in this friendly competition. Enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage along with light hors d’ oeuvres. This event is perfect for date night or an evening out with friends.

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Falling for Leaves | November 10 | IN-PERSON

Celebrate the rich colors and textures of autumn in Falling for Leaves, an immersive floral design workshop. This hands-on class invites participants to explore the art of floral arrangement through the lens of autumn – blending golden leaves, fiery branches, and fall’s most captivating flowers into striking, nature-inspired designs. Instructor: Kate Vernon

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NEW! Seasonal Remix: Fresh Meets Dried | November 18 | IN-PERSON

Discover the art of blending the best of both worlds in this hands-on floral design workshop. Using a thoughtfully curated mix of fresh flowers, foliage, and dried botanical treasures, you’ll create a textural arrangement that celebrates the richness of the fall season. Learn design techniques for combining contrasting materials, extending the life of your creations, and adding depth, movement, and personality to your floral work. Instructor: Kate Hugo Vernon

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Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop | November 23 | IN-PERSON

Guided by instructor Kate Hugo Vernon, participants will explore essential floral design techniques for successfully creating structure, color harmony, and composition, all while crafting a piece that’s perfect for a Thanksgiving celebration – whether as a show-stopping focal point, a thoughtful hostess gift, or simply a symbol of gratitude. Instructor: Kate Vernon

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Locally-Grown Dried Winter Wreath Workshop | December 2 | IN-PERSON

Create a one-of-a-kind dried flower wreath to showcase your creativity and add seasonal flair to your early winter or holiday decor, all while supporting a local flower farm. Designer Conner Parrish, Founder & CEO of Bloomistry, will guide you in using dried flower material from the farm to create a base wreath on a grapevine form. You’ll add a variety of distinct dried flowers harvested from the farm and various seasonal decorations. Instructor: Conner Parrish

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Holiday Wreath Workshop: Morning OR Afternoon Session | December 5 | IN-PERSON

Create a unique holiday wreath to elevate your seasonal decor! Designers David Pippin and Clare Reines will guide you in using common evergreens to create a base wreath on a straw form. You’ll add a variety of beautiful accent greens cut from the Garden’s collections and various festive decorations. We’ll have cookies, hot cider and hot chocolate available (included) to snack on while you work on your wreath. This workshop sells out every single year and we’re only offering two sessions, so be sure to reserve your spot soon! Instructor: David Pippin

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Festive Flair: Holiday Centerpiece Workshop: Morning OR Afternoon Session | December 8 | IN-PERSON

Wow your friends and family with a gorgeous, long-lasting, festive holiday centerpiece created under the expert guidance of local designer, David Pippin. Learn how to incorporate evergreens from the garden as well as the local floral shop as the base for a long-lasting centerpiece. After working with the greenery, participants will choose from cones, berries, fresh flowers, and ribbons to give their arrangement their own unique style and festive flair. Instructor: David Pippin