Floral Design | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

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.

Confirmations will be emailed the day before each class, including a Zoom link for virtual classes. Please check your spam/junk mail folder, and if you have not received the link, email edu@phipps.conservatory.org.

Virtual classes are recorded and made available to all registered participants for one month after the program.

Cancellation policy:

Contact edu@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-441-4442 ext. 3925 to cancel a class registration.

Up to two weeks before the class (or the first class date, for a multi-session class), you may receive a full refund minus a non-refundable $10 adminstrative fee.
Up to 72 hours (3 days) before the class or the first class date, you may receive a 50% refund.
Less than 72 hours (3 days) before the class or the first class date, there are no refunds.
Special events like conferences will have a separate cancellation policy and refund deadline.

All times are Eastern Time Zone.

Want to sign up with a gift certificate?

Contact Phipps at edu@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-441-4442 ext. 3925 with your choice of class to sign up with a gift certificate. If there is a remaining balance for the class or a remaining balance on the gift certificate, we will discuss those details.

Current Classes

Click titles for full details

Bouquet Design Series | Kaitlyn Caramela | Wednesdays: Jan. 18 and 25, Feb. 1 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
- Loose and Airy Bouquet | Kaitlyn Caramela | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | This class is now filled.
Flower Heart Bouquet | Polly Berginc AIFD | Tuesday Feb. 7 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Basic Floral Design: An Introduction to Western Geometric Arranging | Korkey Noah Kibbey | Tuesdays: Feb. 21 and 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Table Design | Kaitlyn Caramela | Wednesday Feb. 22 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. | This class is now filled.
Designing with Tulips | Polly Berginc AIFD | Thursday March 30 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Bridal Work and Personal Flowers to Wear | Korkey Noah Kibbey and Polly Berginc AIFD | Saturdays April 1 and 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (with ½ hour break – bring lunch)
Fleur et Jardin (Flower and Garden) | Polly Berginc AIFD | Wednesday April 5 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Floral Crowns | Kaitlyn Caramela | Wednesday April 19 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Corsage and Boutonniere | Kaitlyn Caramela | Wednesday, April 25 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Note for in-person classes: Class sizes will be limited to allow for adequate social distancing during class. Masks are required for all class attendees at Phipps Garden Center, and in Botany Hall Kitchen except when eating or drinking. Phipps closely monitors changing guidelines and may need to make adjustments to this class or our requirements to ensure a safe student experience.

Detailed Listings

Bouquet Design Series: Loose and Airy Bouquet | Kaitlyn Caramela

Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Individual Session: Members: $25 | Non-members: $30 | Material Fee: $45
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

In the event of snow cancellation, individual classes may be offered virtually

Objective: To be able to create beautiful bouquets in a range of popular styles
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Loose and Airy Bouquet class (Feb. 1): Looking to challenge your floral design skills a bit more? Our Loose and Airy bouquet workshop is designed to take your basic floral knowledge skills to the next level by adapting your techniques and flower choices to create a more organic style bouquet, one of the most highly requested and difficult bouquet styles. Floral Design Certificate elective.

This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be added to the waiting list.

Flower Heart Bouquet | Polly Berginc AIFD

Tuesday Feb. 7 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

$25 members | $30 nonmembers | Material fee: $40

Virtual Class offered through Zoom, Pick-up in person at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park*

Objective: To be able to create a heart-shaped floral arrangement in seasonal colors.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Registration for this class will close on Jan. 27.

Brighten your Valentine’s Day season with a heart shaped floral arrangement created with a dainty mix of fresh flowers in seasonal colors. This compact design will teach you the Pave technique by placing the botanicals on the same plane, creating a dimensional effect. Floral Design Certificate elective.

*Pick-up can take place the Monday afternoon, day before class (4-6 p.m.) or Tuesday the day of class (9 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.)

Basic Floral Design: An Introduction to Western Geometric Arranging | Korkey Noah Kibbey

Tuesdays: Feb. 21 and 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$150 members | $170 nonmembers | Material fee: $40 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

In the event of snow cancellation, individual classes may be offered virtually.

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

This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.

Table Design | Kaitlyn Caramela

Wednesday Feb. 22 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

$25 members | $30 nonmembers Material fee: $45

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To create one seasonal table arrangement
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None

In this class we will create a seasonal table arrangement focusing on later winter color palettes and floral choices for that time of year. When there are little to no flowers outside, we bring the flowers inside!!! Floral Design Certificate elective.

This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.

Designing with Tulips | Polly Berginc AIFD

Thursday March 30 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Virtual Class offered through Zoom, Pick-up in person at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park*
$25 members | $30 nonmembers Material fee: $40

Objective: To be able to make a vase arrangement of tulips.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Registration for this class will close on March 20.

Tulips are the essence of Spring; learn to design a classic vase of tulips with a modern twist incorporating foliage. Learn the proper care of these beautiful blooms to enjoy your tulips to the fullest. Floral Design Certificate elective.

*Pick-up can take place the Wednesday afternoon, day before class (4-6 p.m.) or Thursday the day of class (9 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.)

Bridal Work and Personal Flowers to Wear| Korkey Noah Kibbey and Polly Berginc AIFD

Saturdays April 1 and 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (with ½ hour break – bring lunch)

$295 members | $325 nonmembers | Material fee: $75 per session
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to create a bridal bouquet and coordinating personal flowers for a wedding
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design

Learn the design techniques and mechanics used in today’s wedding work. In each session, students will design a bridal bouquet and coordinating personal flowers for a wedding and gain a better understanding of the concepts needed when planning bridal wedding flowers. Floral Design Certificate core course

Fleur et Jardin (Flower and Garden) | Polly Berginc AIFD

Wednesday April 5 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

$25 members | $30 nonmembers Material fee: $40
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to create a mixed garden-look arrangement in Spring colors and trim
Level: Basic Floral design skills recommended

Bring a touch of Spring into your home with this French inspired tin container filled with a colorful mix of garden styled flowers. Finish your design with a Spring accent from nature to enhance the arrangement. Floral Design Certificate elective.

Floral Crowns | Kaitlyn Caramela

Wednesday April 19 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Members: $30 | nonmembers: $35 | Material fee: $30
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To create wearable crowns decorated with flowers
Level: Beginning to Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Weddings, baby showers, or just for fun – floral crowns are beautiful ways to make someone feel special. Learn the mechanics and best practices for creating your own stunning floral crown. Floral Design Certificate elective.

Corsage and Boutonniere | Kaitlyn Caramela

Wednesday, April 25 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Members: $25 | Non-members: $30 | Material Fee: $35