FlowerSchool Miami: 2-Day Introduction to Design Series

The 2-Day Introduction to Design Series teaches students the elemental technical skills of floral design that professional florists use everyday. These skills focus on correctly using floral tools, time management of working with florals, working with a variety of flower types, as well as the basic structures that all floral arrangements are based upon. As we teach the 6 Pillars of Floral Conditioning, this series will cover the first three pillars. 

Over this two-day class, students will make four floral arrangements that make use of a variety of flower types and design styles including: {1} using hard-stemmed flowers, like hydrangeas and roses, {2} using soft-stemmed flowers, like tulips or calla lilies, {3} creating a centerpiece vase arrangement with a variety of flowers, and {4} building a hand-tied bouquet in the palm.

101 Introduction to Design is a prerequisite program to more advanced programming.

About the Instructor: Calvert Crary, Executive Director of FlowerSchool NY & LA

An internationally recognized instructor and mentor, Calvert has taught programs across the United States, Holland, Mexico and Australia. He has been invited to design tables at the prestigious Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel, spoken to Garden Clubs across America, and served as a judge at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Calvert has trained and coached thousands of students on how to work in the floral industry with top designers, start new businesses, or reorganize existing floral businesses into thriving careers.

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In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, he is the author of influential books on floral design, including Flower School: A Practical Guide to the Art of Flower Arranging, and has co-authored The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers. He was featured in The New York Times “Sunday Routine” section in July 2025.

What you can expect:

• 2 Days of Class, split over 4 sessions (allowing a  lunch break each day)

• Hands-On lessons, taught by a Floral Design Expert

• Creating four arrangements created using premium seasonal flowers

• Tuition will include all materials including flowers, tools, and handbook.

What you will learn:

• The basic techniques of floral design

• Basic flower conditioning & handling, allowing your flowers last their longest & best

• Tips & Tricks to improve professionalism and time management

• Techniques and design skills made for both vase and bouquet arrangements (and what makes these two different!)

Please note: start and end times are subject to change when venue is confirmed.

Day 1: Mastering the Vase Arrangement

The first day focuses on working with hard-stemmed flowers and mastering the fundamentals of vase arrangements. Students will create two designs:

Rose Twist

Working with hard-stemmed flowers like roses, students will learn how to build structure, create movement, and develop a balanced arrangement.

Garden Party Arrangement

Students will bring together a variety of flowers to create a lush centerpiece vase arrangement, applying the techniques and principles introduced throughout the day.

Day 2: Mastering the Hand-Tied Bouquet

The second day focuses on soft-stemmed flowers and the techniques unique to bouquet design. Students will create two designs:

Soft-Stemmed Spiraled Arrangement

Working with delicate, soft-stemmed flowers like tulips or calla lilies, students will learn how to create structure and movement while working with more flexible stems.

Hand-Tied Bouquet

Students will learn how to build a hand-tied bouquet in the palm, exploring the techniques that distinguish bouquet design from vase arrangements.