Floral Design
The Floral Design Certificate program offers the most extensive course of study available in the region, covering all aspects of floral design. The history and progression of floral design is integrated into each class so that students know how and why arrangements are done in a particular way. Participants are also provided with a strong foundation for building upon their own creativity and imagination.
For more details about our programs, or to receive personalized class recommendations from our helpful staff, please feel free to contact us at edu@phipps.conservatory.org.
The Garden of Good and Evil | Sarah Needham
Wednesdays: Aug. 23 and 30 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$44 members | $49 nonmembers | Material fee: $40 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To learn about and design with edible and medicinal flowers and plants, as well as their poisonous counterparts
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None
Create arrangements using various edible and medicinal flowers, as well as their poisonous counterparts. Gain a better understanding of the products you use and any special precautions that you should take when handling these plants. Floral Design Certificate elective
Intermediate Floral Design | Polly Berginc, AIFD
(Formerly Color Study)
Thursdays: Sept. 7, 14 and 28; Oct. 5, 12 and 19 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$132 members | $152 nonmembers | Material fee: $35 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to implement the principles and elements of design needed to create a successful floral composition
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Basic Floral Design or Contemporary European Design
Further develop your floral design skills with an in-depth study of the principles and elements of design, which are essential to the foundation of a successful floral composition. Each class will focus on understanding and exploring how these creative decisions influence your finished design work. Floral Design Certificate core course
Basic Floral Design: An Introduction to Western Geometric Arranging | Rose Grealish, CFD
Mondays: Sept. 11, 18 and 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$176 members | $196 nonmembers | Material fee: $35 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to construct symmetrical and combination arrangements, incorporating widely accepted principles of design
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None
Many forms of floral arrangement are based on western geometric style. Use this as a solid foundation to learn design principles, flower conditioning and mechanical techniques. Floral Design Certificate core course
Introduction to the History of Floral Design | Rose Grealish, CFD
Wednesdays: Sept. 20 and 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$154 members | $184 nonmembers | Material fee: $35 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to integrate historical elements into today’s floral design efforts
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: None
Discover how western arranging forms have developed to become mainstream, how they collided with eastern thought, and how they once separated but have now come back together. Floral Design Certificate core course
Bow Making | Polly Berginc, AIFD
Wed., Nov. 29 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$30 members | $35 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to make a variety of bows for floral arrangements, wreaths, gifts and more
Prerequisites: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Learn how to turn a bit of humble ribbon into a beautiful bow. Bow making may be intimidating at first, but can be mastered with a little practice. Learn the tips and tricks from an expert, and discover the various forms you can use for any purpose. Floral Design Certificate elective
Deck the Halls, Walls and More! | Rose Grealish, CFD
Mondays: Nov. 27; Dec. 4, 11 and 18 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$88 members | $98 nonmembers | Material fee: $35 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To use greens in holiday creations
Prerequisite: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Learn about different types of holiday greens and floral design techniques, and create arrangements to decorate your home both inside and out. Floral Design Certificate elective course
Marvelous Mantelpiece: Greens, Fruits and Naturals | Laura Schoch
Sat., Dec. 2 | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$40 members | $50 nonmembers | $35 material fee
Class meets in the Welcome Center at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Objective: To be able to build a mantelpiece from scratch
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Be inspired by the natural beauty of Phipps’ Winter Flower Show and make your own custom, natural mantel piece under the guidance of one of Phipps’ most creative display horticulturists. This hands-on class is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Floral Design Certificate elective
Floral Wholesaler Field Trip | Rose Grealish
Sat., Dec. 9 | 9 – 11 a.m.
$15 members | $20 nonmembers
BW Wholesale Floral
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None
Explore one of Pittsburgh’s floral wholesalers. Typically, only registered businesses can shop at the wholesalers, but all students will be permitted to make purchases after the tour concludes.
Arranging with Local Flowers | Rose Kocher
Thursdays: Aug. 10, 17 and 24 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$66 members | $76 nonmembers
Material fee: $40 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to create unique arrangements with locally sourced and sustainably raised flowers and greenery
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None
Make beautiful arrangements with locally sourced and sustainably raised flowers and greenery. Learn how to transform basic farmers’ market bouquets and backyard cuttings into fun and unique arrangements. Celebrate the season’s beauty! Floral Design Certificate elective
