A Year in Flowers: Seasonal, local and sustainable floral ingredients

During each month of the year, the garden has something wonderful to offer those who want to enjoy cut floral arrangements indoors. Expand the way you view your own backyard, the flowers sold by vendors at your local farmer’s market and even the “weeds” in our area’s wilder places. You will discover inspiring new ways to grow, glean, harvest and gather floral design ingredients – in every season.

Author and outdoor living expert Debra Prinzing will share her passion for local and seasonal flowers in a two-part talk. The first part – a hands-on demonstration – presents several seasonal floral design projects. Debra will discuss the best ways to harvest, process and prolong the vase life of the ingredients. Audience members will receive instructions, a recommended plant list and other floral design resources. Next, in an illustrated lecture, Debra will introduce you to the many inspiring flower farmers and floral designers who have contributed to the “green” flower movement. Learn about the eco-friendly growing and design approaches taken by these passionate individuals. You can borrow their sustainable practices for your own cut flower garden – and bouquets.

The projects are adapted from “The 50 Mile Bouquet: Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers,” her exciting new book published in 2012, and her DIY design book, “Slow Flowers,” published in 2013.