Floral Design Classes
Learn the art of floral design and flower arranging through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Courses include traditional and modern styles of floral art and instruction in a variety of settings, ranging from step-by-step classes to sophisticated workshops and programs.
Classes are offered in-person, as synchronous (live) online programs, or using hybrid methods with both in-person and virtual content. Class delivery methods are denoted next to each listing as VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON, or HYBRID.
Class Schedule September-December 2024
Basic Floral Design, Part 2 | August 13, 20, 27, September 3, 10 | 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.
Pre-requisite: Basic Floral Design, Part 1
NEW! Hand-Tied Bouquet Workshop | September 13 | IN-PERSON
In this workshop, 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.
NEW! Introduction to Ikenobo Ikebana | September 18 | IN-PERSON
Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement, was introduced by the Buddhist monks in the mid 6th century through their floral offerings in the temples. Ikenobo is the first school of Ikebana with records of instruction to create this art. This is the first of a series of Ikebana classes introducing students to the various schools of Ikebana that are practiced in Ikebana of Richmond. Gain the ability to begin enjoying this mindful art independently, and begin your Ikebana journey.
NEW! Naturalistic Fall Design | September 27 | IN-PERSON
Create a unique, naturalistic fall design incorporating the rich colors of the autumnal palette. Learn step-by-step the floral professional’s tips and techniques to achieve this parallel style. Gain an understanding of proper mechanics and conditioning requirements for the materials used. Leave with a beautiful autumn bouquet to grace your home and a new set of skills to design arrangements using your own botanical elements!
Locally Grown Dried Flower Fall Wreath Workshop | October 4 | IN-PERSON
Celebrate the beauty of autumn as you create a one-of-a-kind dried flower wreath to showcase your creativity and add seasonal flair to your fall décor, all while supporting a local flower farm. Designer Conner Parrish of Blossoming Roots Flower Farm 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.
NEW! Fall Fantasy Centerpieces | October 10 | IN-PERSON
This is your chance to learn from one of Richmond’s favorite designers! David Pippin will show you how to use nature’s bounty to create your very own fall fantasy display. Using branches, berries, seasonal flowers, and foliage, you’ll create a work of art to grace your table at home. Bring your favorite basket with a water-tight liner or a rustic water-tight container to show off your arrangement. No clear containers!
NEW! New Garden Style | November 1 | IN-PERSON
Join floral designer Betty Ann Galway, AIFD, as she guides you step by step in creating your own unique table design in the trending New Garden Style! She’ll share the floral professional’s mechanics of design and the floral design principles and elements that make an arrangement pleasing to the eye. You’ll leave with new confidence in your floral design skills and a lovely arrangement that will bring accolades from your family and friends!
Dueling Designers Do Holidays | November 7 | IN-PERSON
This fun holiday tradition returns to the Garden for an evening of holiday floral design fun! Designers David Pippin and Kate Vernon each work with the same assortment of floral materials to create gorgeous and unique designs suitable for the holiday season! You’ll laugh through the evening while gaining ideas for your own holiday décor. David 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 (included); all arrangements will be raffled at the end of the program (containers included).
Locally Grown Dried Flower Winter Wreath Workshop | November 16 | 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 décor, all while supporting a local flower farm. Designer Conner Parrish of Blossoming Roots Flower Farm 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.
NEW! Holiday Tablescape | December 6 | IN-PERSON
Create a stunning holiday tablescape that will last through the holiday season. Join floral designer Betty Ann Galway, AIFD, as she guides you in creating your own unique table design. She’ll cover floral design principles, the basics of tablescape design, and the elements that make an arrangement pleasing to the eye. Learn tips and tricks used by floral industry professionals. Gain new confidence in your floral design skills, and take home a lovely tablescape arrangement that will add beauty and style to your holiday decor!
Holiday Wreath Workshop | December 7 | Morning 10 am OR Afternoon 1 pm | IN-PERSON
Create a unique holiday wreath to elevate your seasonal décor! Designer David Pippin 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!
Looking for the next offering of Basic Floral Design, Part 1? Basic Floral Design, Part 1 is next scheduled beginning in January 2025 and will publish with the Winter/Spring 2025 season in early December.
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We adapted a new Garden-wide system as of March 6, 2024. Please create or activate your account the first time you use the system.
Explore our Floral Design Certificate Program
Acquire a thorough foundation in the art of floral arranging for the novice floral designer through our certificate program.
Stay Tuned for Additional Classes
Join our email list to receive updates as we announce new Floral Design classes mid-season.
Updated Adult Learning Cancellation Policy
As of April 12, 2024, the Garden has an updated cancellation policy for Adult Learning programs.