Floral Design Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I apply?

  
  

  There is no formal application process at this time—simply enroll in Floral Design Foundations and you're on your way! We do recommend that you subscribe to email updates here. If you have any questions, please contact the Continuing Education team.

  
  

• What are the requirements?

  
  

  Please see the Certificate Requirements section above for detailed information on requirements. If you have questions, please write to continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org.

  
  

• What are the outcomes? Who is this for?

  
  

  The Floral Design Certificate is for those both in the floral design profession or hobbyists looking to embark or build upon their design knowledge. After completing the Certificate, students are able to list, define, and utilize the elements and principles of floral design; understand and be able to apply material selection and care techniques to a broad variety of floral and foliage materials; distinguish different styles of floral design and evaluate those designs through the lenses of color theory, design theory, and the history of floral design; and synthesize their learning in the development of a unique design aesthetic, utilizing their skills and knowledge to create mechanically and aesthetically successful floral designs in many different styles.

  
  

• How much does a Certificate cost?

  
  

  Cost is variable based on the elective coursework chosen, but students typically spend approximately $7,000 completing their Certificate.

  
  

• Can I take courses without completing a Certificate?

  
  

  Absolutely! All courses are available to everyone, regardless of your status in the Certificate program. In particular, we recommend Floral Design Foundations for those who aren’t yet sure if they’d like to pursue the complete curriculum.

  
  

• Do I have to complete all prerequisite courses?

  
  

  Our curriculum is designed to be flexible and minimize prerequisites; however, all students must complete Floral Design Foundations before completing additional core coursework.

  In rare cases, with demonstrated proficiency, students may be exempted from required core coursework. If you would like to request an exemption, please write to continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org. Please note that, if you are granted an exemption, you must make up the hours through elective coursework.

  
  

• How long will this take?

  
  

  It is possible to complete the Certificate curriculum in 1 year; however, most students complete their Certificates in 1 to 3 years. We require that students complete their studies in no more than 5 years.

  
  

• Where are classes held?

  
  

  All coursework is completed in our state-of-the-art Studios at Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square, PA.

  
  

• What classes count toward the elective requirement?

  
  

  Our selection of elective coursework is constantly changing. Please consult the Floral Design webpage and look for courses marked “Elective”. You can view our current elective courses on this page under Current Elective Courses.

  
  

• What if I completed coursework in the retired Certificate of Merit program?

  
  

  If you completed core or elective coursework toward the now-retired Certificate of Merit in Floral Design, exemptions or credits may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Continuing Education Office to discuss: continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org.

  
  

• What if I have more questions or need help?

  
  

  Please contact the Continuing Education Office: continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org.