The Floral Design Committee provides educational opportunities for garden club members by hosting speakers and presenting demonstrations and workshops. Columbine floral design workshops have included demonstrations from local professional designers Dennis Thompson of White House Design Studio and Teresa Wilson of Camelback Flower shop.

Nationally and internationally acclaimed floral designers Ace Berry of Texas-based Ace in Full Bloom,  Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond Floral San Francisco, Ron Morgan of Ron Morgan Floral Designs Oakland, California, Remco Van Vleet of Van Vleet and Trap Dutch Master florists of New York City and “Euro-style” Rene Van Rems of Vista, California have shared their flair and design creativity with our club members and guests at our fundraising events.

Garden club classes on leaf manipulation, Hogarth Curve, contemporary and underwater designs, most importantly the elements and principles of floral design have been given by our own GCA Floral Design judges Donna LeVally, Mary Louise Lindenthal and Sallye Schumacher. Two valuable handbooks on floral design techniques have been produced by Donna and Sallye for easy access and reference to further enlighten our members.

Before both the 2016 and the 2022 Columbine flower shows, the club Floral Design committees have held workshops to educate our membership on advanced floral design techniques. Another responsibility of the committee is to explain and clarify the guidelines and requirements for successful GCA flower show entries, giving advice and support to entrants in the floral design division.

The Floral Design Committee has partnered with Dennis Thompson of White House Floral Design Studio to reuse and repurpose event flowers that are then delivered to hospice and retirement facilities throughout the Valley.  Members meet for Monday Mornings at the White House several times each month.

New members at their Floral Design 101 workshop