Floral Design Classes
Longwood Gardens offers one of the most respected floral design programs in the Northeast region with a wide variety of courses, classes, and lectures about the art and science of floriculture.
Students may take courses individually or pursue a Certificate of Merit in Floral Design, which has become the standard in the floral industry. All floral courses are hands-on experiences using a wide variety of premier quality, fresh flowers and foliage. Class size is limited to maximize individual attention from highly trained and imaginative instructors.
Some students wish to pursue employment in the floral design business, others strive to improve floral design efforts at church or garden club, while others simply wish to make better arrangements for the home.
Certificate of Merit in Floral Design
To receive the certificate, students must complete the following:
- Five core courses
- Seven or more elective credits
Note: Not all floral courses meet the elective requirements - One floral design lecture
- Pass the floral design certificate exam
Begin the certificate program by taking Basic Floral Design I. The other core courses may be taken in any order, in any time period. Fees for floral design courses include extensive personal instruction, premium flowers and foliage, arranging materials, and containers, unless otherwise noted.
Floral Design Certificate Core Courses
Basic Floral Design I
Basic Floral Design II
Advanced Floral Design I
Advanced Floral Design II
Introduction to Ikebana – New Format
Floral Design Certificate Elective Courses
Seven or more elective credits are required for completion of the certificate program. A wide variety of courses are scheduled seasonally.
Floral Design Certificate Lectures
Attendance at one or more floral lectures is required for completion of the certificate program. There is no prerequisite for a lecture, and it may be taken at any time. These are typically offered yearly.
Floral Design Certificate Exam
Once all the requirements have been met, students are eligible to take the certificate exam. (Students may be enrolled in their final class but must understand that the material on the exam is comprehensive) The exam consists of a written test and the identification of flowers and floral design related materials. The candidate will be required to create a floral design in a designated advanced style. The candidate must earn a minimum of 70% on the written and practical exam to earn the Certificate of Merit in Floral Design. Access to a review session delivered using LongwoodLive, our new online class platform, is included in the exam fee.
Certificate of Merit Recognition
The accomplishment and satisfaction of completing the courses necessary for the awarding of the Certificates of Merit in Ornamental Plants, Ornamental Horticulture, Floral Design, or Landscape Design will be celebrated yearly. We will host the graduates at a celebration on Friday, August 27, 2010. Eligible candidates will receive detailed information and an invitation in advance. To check on your eligibility for certificate completion, call 610-388-1000 Ext. 559.
Floral Design Masters Courses
These courses are designed to elevate the skills learned in the certificate program courses. Masters courses are intended for experienced designers or students who have completed two or more core classes. Cutting edge applications of design principles and new approaches to specific concepts or themes should be expected. Stretch creativity and floral design abilities with these master level courses.
Fun with Flowers
Get ready to have fun and stretch your creativity. Fun with flowers classes are geared to the novice or the person on the go. Students create seasonal arrangements to take home for the weekend or to give as a gift. These short courses are not required for the certificate of merit and do not meet the elective requirement.
Important Information for Floral Design Certificate Students
Students are to bring the following items to every class:
- Floral scissors
- Glove for their non- dominant hand (glove distributed in Basic I)
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
- Pruners
- Additional items as noted per course
Students may bring a camera to photograph their work.
Bring a box or a crate to transport your designs.
Some classes require you to bring your own container. Be sure to check the course description.
Courses:
Introduction to Ikebana – New Format
with Midori Tanimune, Janet Solomon and Ronell Douglass
DATE: Wednesdays, October 6 – 27, 4 sessions; 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
FEE: $203 Garden pass member / $225 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Core Course
Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging flowers. Ikebana values discipline, knowledge of rules and forms, and an idealized approach to nature.
This course will introduce you to Ikebana in general, as well as three different schools of study. Working with instructors from the Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu schools, learn the history as well as the fundamental approach of each school. Using fresh flowers and greenery, students will create distinctive, elegant designs that exude a sense of harmony, balance, and well being.
All containers and kenzans will be provided. Please bring floral scissors.
Basic Floral Design I
SOLD OUT
DATE: Tuesdays, September 14 – October 19, 2010; 6 sessions
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
FEE: $306 Garden pass member / $340 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Core Course
Learn the fundamentals of floral design, how to condition flowers, use floral foam, tape, and wire. Create beautiful arrangements in many styles, including: round, garden style, parallel, a garland, and designs in glass for your home.
Whether students are beginning their journey toward a Certificate of Merit in Floral Design or just want to learn techniques for arranging flowers from the garden or shop, this class will provide the foundation for building basic floral design skills.
Basic Floral Design II
DATE: Wednesdays, October 13 – November 17, 6 sessions
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $306 Garden pass member / $340 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Core Course
Creating arrangements that focus on harmony, proportion, scale, and rhythm, add to the skills developed in Basic Floral Design I. Topics include the Biedermeier style arrangement, formal linear, topiary techniques, hand tied bouquets, and corsage making. Further studies in the care and handling of fresh flower and plant materials advance the student’s floral design development.
Using multiple cutting tools, a variety of containers and gorgeous floral materials will stir your creative spirit and extend your skills.
Containers for the first class will be provided, and students will receive a list of containers to bring to subsequent sessions.
Advanced Floral Design I
DATE: Tuesdays, September 14 – October 19, 2010; 6 sessions
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $338 Garden pass member / $375 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Core Course
By studying historical and international floral design, students will expand and refine their floral design skills. Designs completed in this course include: vegetative style landscape, sheltered, Phoenix, New Convention, abstract, and cascade or waterfall. Many techniques, such as basing, wiring, taping, using chicken wire, binding and banding are taught, as students work with a variety of plant materials.
The instructor will demonstrate each style and the elements and principles that guide it. Students work with increasingly challenging concepts and a broad variety of material to create exceptional designs.
Containers for the first class will be provided, and students will receive a list of containers to bring to subsequent sessions.
Advanced Floral Design II
DATE: Saturdays, October 23 – November 6, 2010; 3 sessions
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $338 Garden pass member / $375 non-member
Lunch included
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Core Course
Get ready to experiment in this exciting capstone course. Advanced techniques learned in this class prepare students to create their own design signature. Floral techniques taught in this course include: a mille de fleur design (bouquet of a thousand flowers); designing without oasis which allows for the use of clear glass containers and underwater designs; floral sculptures using fruits and vegetables; and an exploration of emotions through the use of four spheres of design. Using a variety of exceptional flowers and greens each week, students take home sensational designs and pride in their floral accomplishments under the guidance of our knowledgeable instructor.
Containers for the first class will be provided, and a list of containers to be brought for subsequent sessions will be distributed.
Floral Design Certificate Exam
DATE: Saturday, November 20, 2010
9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Any student who has completed all of the requirements listed on page 31 is eligible to take the floral certificate exam. This exam consists of a written test and identification of flowers and floral design related materials.
Certificate candidates are also required to create a floral design in a designated advanced style. Upon receipt of registration, a student’s eligibility will be verified. Study materials are available to qualified students delivered using LongwoodLive, our new online class platform. The candidate must earn a minimum of 70% on the written and practical exams to earn the Certificate of Merit in Floral Design.
Floral Fun Classes
Need a quick arrangement or hostess gift for the weekend? Try our Floral Fun classes. They are quick, fun, and designed for everyone, regardless of experience. Each month participants will create a themed design, perfect for weekend entertaining, to give as a gift, or just to enjoy at home. Join us for some fun – classes are scheduled for some evenings and Friday mornings.
FEE: $ 45 Garden pass member / $ 50 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
August: Zany Zinnias*
A riot of color to decorate your table.
with Shelley Clemens
DATE: Friday, August 27
TIME: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
*Local Grower – Pete’s Produce Farm will supply the flowers
September: Mums theWord
Autumn and chrysanthemums go together. Learn about the different varieties and create a beautiful and long lasting arrangement with fall flowers.
with Jane Godshalk
DATE: Thursday, September 23
TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
October-A Boo! Tiful Wreath
with Nancy Gingrich Shenk
Use fresh flowers and autumn accents that will dry to extend the life of your wreath to use on a door or as a candle ring.
DATE: Friday, October 15
TIME: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
November: Harvest Table Arrangement
Featuring mums and rich autumn colors, this long lasting arrangement will make you thankful
with Nancy Gingrich Shenk
DATE: Monday, November 22
TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
December: Boxwood Topiary
Topiaries have long been a symbol of the winter holiday. Create your own topiary which will last through the holiday season.
with Jane Godshalk
DATE: Thursday, Dec 2
TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Principles of Color
DATE: Friday, August 20 & Saturday, August 21, 2 sessions
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $270 Garden pass member / $300 non-member
Lunch included each day
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 2 credit
Students and instructors agree that this course is essential to good design. The difference between an average creation and one that "sings" is often found in color. Explore the role of color using a spectrum of flowers, greens, and fabric backgrounds in this two-day retreat. Properties, psychological effects, and harmonies of color will be discussed. Color is a central part of any floral design, and students will create beautiful designs in prescribed hues and harmonies. Never look at color the same way again!
Please bring floral scissors and 2 clear glass 6”-8” bubbles or bowls.
Salute to Sunflowers
DATE: Saturday, September 11
9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Fall brings the excitement of beautiful sunflowers in many forms. Learn the many variety names and qualities of these splendid blooms and also care and handling tips. Techniques of taping, binding, and wrapping will be used to convert a glass cylinder into a stunning vase covered with grasses for this sunflower arrangement.
Container will be provided. Please bring cutting tools.
Paired Altar Arrangements
DATE: Saturday, September 18
9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $122 Garden pass member / $135 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Master the techniques to create beautiful altar arrangements. This course will cover the ordering, conditioning, and arranging of flowers for use on a religious altar. You will work with a partner in this session to make two complimentary arrangements which you may then take home or to your place of worship. Bring a partner for arranging or join up with someone in class.
Please bring cutting tools and a pair of containers suitable for an altar, such as solid color or metal urns or vases 12”-18” tall with 6”–8” openings.
Herb Appeal
DATE: Saturday, September 25; 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 2 credit
Herbs are a diverse group of plants, ranging in size from the low-growing, to shrubs and trees. They have a wide range of uses in every culture. They add flavor and aroma to our food, fragrance to our cosmetics, and health benefits to our bodies.
We will use the bounty of the season to create an herb wreath that can be used as a table centerpiece or door decoration. As a bonus, herbs dry beautifully, and you will have an extended enjoyment of your arrangement.
Inspired by a Garden
with Antonia Bellanca floral and perfume designer creator of Antonia's Flowers, Sogni del Mare, Floret, Tiempe Passate. www.antoniasflowers.com/index.asp
DATE: Sunday, September 26
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $90 Garden pass member
$100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
By selecting the right flowers you can create an experience as well as a beautiful design. Antonia Bellanca will share her own floral experience and how it shaped her fragrance company, Antonia’s Flowers. Flowers reminiscent of her perfumes will be the focus of your basket design.
Your creation will be complemented with one of her perfumes to complete your arrangement. Be inspired by Antonia, flowers, and fragrance!
Diverse Design Techniques: Vertical Drama
DATE: Saturday, October 2
9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Focal area is an integral part of floral design, capturing interest and attention. Create a tall branch structure and “float” the floral focal area in an elevated wire structure.
Techniques of binding and wiring will be used to create this dramatic, long lasting structure. Container will be provided. Please bring cutting tools, including strong wire cutters.
Prerequisite: Completion of two or more floral design core courses is required.
Diverse Design Techniques: Contemporary Cascade
DATE: Saturday, October 2; 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
The cascade design takes a modern twist with a branched armature and flowing greens and flowers. The focal area is prominent in the upper level of the design, while branches and flowers interplay in a downward motion.
Container will be provided. Please bring cutting tools.
Prerequisite: Completion of two or more floral design core courses is required.
Fragrance of Autumn
DATE: Saturday, October 9; 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Each student will create a paved, pillowed design which includes the fragrant, pungent elements of autumn: nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon sticks, apples, candles, cloves, berries. This design is created on sand to be eco friendly.
Bring to class a large low platter of ceramic, glass or wood, or stone and cutting tools.
Mum Fest
DATE: Saturday, October 16
9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Chrysanthemums are native to Asia and widely used in the Ikebana designs. There is even a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower. Using mums as focal points and autumnal branch material as accents, create a dramatic design in the Ikebana tradition.
Be sure to plan extra time to visit Longwood’s mum display.
Bring either a low dish container with a kenzan OR a glass container, 6” to 7” high.
Pennock Floral Company Tour
DATE: Friday, November 5; 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM
FEE: $63 Garden pass member / $70 non-member
WHERE: Meet Visitor Center Parking Lot
Start your holiday decorating with new ideas and purchases from the Pennock Company, one of Philadelphia’s leading flower wholesalers.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to tour its new facility, which is not normally open to the public. Learn how they purchase, prepare, and store fresh flowers. We will also tour the extensive design supply, silk and dried flower, and container departments where we will see the operation of this business in action. This is a popular annual trip and a great opportunity for you to shop and/or open accounts after the tour.
The bus will leave the back of the Main Visitor parking lot promptly at 12:30PM (brown bag lunches are welcome) and return by 5pm. Please bring a warm coat, you will be touring coolers kept at 37°F.
Holiday Wreath – Bring the Outside In
DATE: Saturday, Dec 4; 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $108 Garden pass member / $120 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Creating a wreath for the holidays is a favorite tradition, and we always look forward to creating one in our own style. This year you can create a wreath using greens, cones, and berries from the garden. You’ll learn from a seasoned Longwood gardener what to plant to have the best choices for your holiday decorations in years to come. Your instructor is the programming lead for the Longwood Christmas Season and decorates the display in the music room and the ballroom. Mary will help you bring the garden to your home!
Bring 4 yards of your choice of ribbon for a festive bow if desired, and any other holiday embellishments.
Dazzling Holiday Centerpieces
DATE: Saturday, Dec 11; 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Learn the technique of connecting two containers to make one “Dazzling” design. Branches, greens, and flowers will be used to create a bridged design which may be refreshed to last throughout the holiday season. Techniques of wiring and binding will be used to create this elegant centerpiece.
Containers will be provided. Please bring cutting tools.
Fragrance of the Winter Holidays
DATE: Saturday, Dec 11; 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FEE: $90 Garden pass member / $100 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room
Floral Design Elective – 1 credit
Scents of pine and spices fill a room with the holiday spirit. Learn how to make your own potpourri and create a holiday arrangement with fresh greens, candles, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and more to fill a room with wonderful holiday aromas.
Container will be provided. Please bring cutting tools.
Certificate of Merit Recognition
The accomplishment and satisfaction of completing the courses necessary for the awarding of the Certificates of Merit in Ornamental Plants, Ornamental Horticulture, Floral Design, or Landscape Design will be celebrated yearly.
We will host the graduates at a celebration on Friday, August 27, 2010. Eligible candidates will receive detailed information and an invitation in advance. To check on your eligibility for certificate completion, call 610-388-5454.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Longwood offers hundreds of lectures, courses and workshops each year that allow you to learn directly from our gardeners and horticulturists in our unique garden environment.
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Professional Gardener Training Program
Longwood's immersive, tuition-free, two-year program combines a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on learning.
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Internships
Students can gain practical experience, learn horticultural skills and study plants in one of the world’s finest gardens through our internship programs.
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