Advanced Floral Design | Polly Berginc AIFD

Wednesdays: Sept. 18 and 25, Oct. 2, 9 and 16 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.

$140 members | $160 nonmembers | Material fee: $40 per week
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to use advanced design mechanics and techniques when creating artistic floral compositions in various design styles
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Intermediate Floral Design
Required text: The AIFD Guide to Floral Design by The American Institute of Floral Designers (available through Phipps' education department)

Expand your knowledge in the art of floral design by learning the proper application of design mechanics and use of creative design techniques in today’s compositions. Learn the use of natural and botanical elements in your design work, and understand how different materials can be applied. Designs will feature advanced level of mechanics and techniques each week. Floral Design Certificate core class

Registration for this class is now closed.

Introduction to the History of Floral Design | Rose Grealish, CFD

Tuesdays: Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22, Nov. 5, 12 and 19 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$154 members | $174 nonmembers | Material fee: $245 ($35 per week)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to integrate historical elements into today’s floral design efforts
Level: Beginner to intermediate
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

Fall Dried Wreath Workshop | Elaine Pisarcik, Pisarcik Flower Farm

Wed., Oct. 30 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$22 members | $27 nonmembers | Material fee: $75
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to make a fall dried wreath with locally grown and foraged flowers
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None

Work with locally grown and foraged dried flowers that have been naturally dried to capture their everlasting beauty. Learn the process of preserving and drying, and how to work with and care for dried flowers. All materials needed are provided and you will leave with your very own dried wreath! Floral Design Certificate elective

Fall Dried Wreath Workshop | Elaine Pisarcik, Pisarcik Flower Farm

Thurs., Nov. 7 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. New Session Added!

$22 members | $27 nonmembers | Material fee: $75
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to make a fall dried wreath with locally grown and foraged flowers
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None

Work with locally grown and foraged dried flowers that have been naturally dried to capture their everlasting beauty. Learn the process of preserving and drying, and how to work with and care for dried flowers. All materials needed are provided and you will leave with your very own dried wreath! Floral Design Certificate elective

Floral Design Showcase: Inspired by Nature | Guest Designer: Daniel Firth AIFD

Sun., Sept. 22 | Noon – 3 p.m

$30 members | $35 nonmembers | Professional florists may register at the member rate
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

In partnership with The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Education Partners Program, Phipps invites you to nurture your creative spirit and join us for an afternoon of floral education inspired by nature for the fall and upcoming holiday season. We welcome the floral artistry of Dan Firth AIFD, an accomplished educational designer, with his creative designs, tips, tools and techniques to grow your floral design artistry. From natural to woodland contemporary designs for the season, Dan will create floral décor with products from the earth and integrate natural and locally sourced floral materials and botanicals into his designs. Light refreshments will be served. Floral Design certificate elective

Meet our featured designer:  
Daniel Firth AIFD is the owner of Deihls’ Flowers in Burnham, PA, a major floral event company in the State College, PA area. Dan studied Ornamental Horticulture at Penn State University and European design in the Netherlands. He is an accomplished international design instructor, program presenter and judge. Dan has been honored with several design awards, and has utilized his talents designing for the White House, Presidential Inaugurals, the Rose Bowl Parade, and the Philadelphia Flower Show. An avid outdoorsman, Dan brings his love of nature to his refreshing and unique design work. 

This event has been postponed until spring. Please watch this space for updates in future months.

Designer's Challenge | Polly Berginc AIFD

Wed., Nov. 13 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.

$28 members | $33 nonmembers | Material fee: $35
Objective: To be able to create a designed arrangement on your own, using the skills you have learned in basic level floral classes
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: Entry level Floral Design courses recommended (Basic Floral Design, Contemporary European Design, Vase Arrangements I)

Choose your design style, container, flowers and foliage to create your own unique design. You will be challenged to select materials for your arrangement that meet a pre-determined list of basic criteria. A variety of floral product will be available for you to use. Are you up for the challenge? Floral Design Certificate elective

Creative Bow Making | Polly Berginc AIFD

Thurs., Nov. 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$22 members | $27 nonmembers | Material fee: $8
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to make bows for a variety of floral design projects and gifts and gain a better understanding for proper ribbon selection and usage
Prerequisites: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate

Learn how to turn a bit of humble ribbon into a variety of beautiful bows and master the technique with practice. Acquire helpful tips and knowledge you need to make ribbon selections and calculate yardage while learning the proper mechanics for successful bow making. Floral Design Certificate elective

Thanksgiving Centerpiece | Sarah Needham

Wed., Nov. 20 | 7 – 9 p.m.

$22 members | $27 nonmembers | Material fee: $50
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to make a seasonally appropriate centerpiece
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Learn how to construct Thanksgiving centerpieces using seasonal items such as pods, gourds, feathers and flowers. Then, learn how to dress up accessory items like votive candles to make the holiday table even more festive. Floral Design Certificate elective

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Thanksgiving Centerpiece class.

Deck the Halls, Walls and More! | Rose Grealish, CFD

Mondays: Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9 and 16 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$88 members | $98 nonmembers | Material fee: $140 ($35 per week)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to use greens in holiday creations.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

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

Deck the Halls, Walls and More! | Rose Grealish, CFD

Tuesdays: Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$88 members | $98 nonmembers | Material fee: $140 ($35 per week)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to use greens in holiday creations.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

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

Floral Wholesaler Field Trip: Keystone Ribbon and Floral Supply | Rose Grealish, CFD

Sat., Nov. 30 | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

$15 members | $20 nonmembers

Objective: To be familiar with one of Pittsburgh’s wholesale floral shops
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.

Outdoor Evergreen Decor | Polly Berginc AIFD

Sat., Dec. 7 | 10 a.m – noon

$25 members | $35 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to design attractive and long lasting winter urn displays for your home.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Learn how to enhance your home’s curb appeal during the winter season with outdoor décor. Polly will design unique outdoor arrangements based with evergreens in a pedestal urn and other containers that can be customized to your home’s style. Natural botanicals and trim options will be displayed and take home handouts with design tips and evergreen options for each project. Purchase your own evergreens at Gifts and Green Market. Floral Design Certificate elective

Nature's Splendor Urn | Polly Berginc AIFD

Thurs., Dec. 5 | 1 - 3 p.m.

$20 members | $25 nonmembers | Material fee: $35
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to design a natural looking winter seasonal urn arrangement and learn how to personalize it to your home décor for the holiday season
Prerequisites: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate

Using a variety of natural materials and winter foliage, create a classic urn arrangement. This design features fresh evergreens with natural cones and pods accented with faux berries and trims for winter seasonal appeal. Learn how this piece can be personalized to your home décor with the addition of basic or unique trims for the holiday season. Floral Design Certificate elective

Nature's Splendor Urn | Polly Berginc AIFD

Wed., Dec. 11 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$20 members | $25 nonmembers | Material fee: $35
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to design a natural looking winter seasonal urn arrangement and learn how to personalize it to your home décor for the holiday season
Prerequisites: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate

Using a variety of natural materials and winter foliage, create a classic urn arrangement. This design features fresh evergreens with natural cones and pods accented with faux berries and trims for winter seasonal appeal. Learn how this piece can be  personalized to your home décor with the addition of basic or unique trims for the holiday season. Floral Design Certificate elective

Holiday Workshop: Greens, Fruits and Naturals | Laura Schoch

Sat., Dec. 14 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

$35 members | $40 nonmembers | Material fee: $50
Students should meet in the Welcome Center at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Objective: To be able to design and affix natural and faux decorations to create a festive holiday centerpiece or wreath
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Phipps Display Horticulturist Laura Schoch will inspire you to make a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece or wreath from scratch and help you create a custom-designed work to complement your home décor. Engage in a relaxed, creative atmosphere with a variety of materials to achieve different styles from natural to more contemporary. Plus, discover tips for keeping these creations fresh throughout the holidays. Registration is capped at 20 participants, so early registration is strongly encouraged. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring additional materials to match your own décor. Please bring your own pruners if you have them. Floral Design Certificate elective

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Holiday Workshop: Greens, Fruits and Naturals class.

Contemporary European Design | Rose Grealish, C.F.D.

Tuesdays: July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3, 10 and 17 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$176 members | $196 nonmembers | Material fee: $280 ($35 per week)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to incorporate European techniques into various arrangement styles
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None

Learn techniques for creating floral designs that incorporate the European styles of parallelism, landscape vegetative, multi-plane and hand-tied. Floral Design Certificate core course

Registration for this class is now closed. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Contemporary European Design class.

The Garden of Good and Evil | Sarah Needham

Wednesdays: Sept. 4 and 11 | 7 – 9 p.m.

$44 members | $49 nonmembers | Material fee: $80 ($40 per week)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to knowledgeably 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 and 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

Registration for this class is now closed. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Garden of Good and Evil class.

Ceremony and Sympathy | Korkey Noah Kibbey

Mondays and Tuesdays: Sept. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$176 members | $196 nonmembers | Material fee: $150 ($50 per week)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to design appropriate arrangements for houses of worship, special ceremonies and funerals
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design or Contemporary European Design

Learn the protocol, mechanics and techniques you need to confidently create traditional basket, easel, casket, altar and pew displays. Class is scheduled twice per week to allow you to save time and money by reusing flowers with these larger arrangements. Floral Design Certificate core course

Registration for this class is now closed.