The Sustainable Flower School

Years of developing a brand, methods and practices in sustainable floristry and sustainable flower business is condensed and taught to florists and floral designers looking to incorporate sustainability and artistry into their work and methods. We are offering 4, two day flower school courses as well as half day intensives on sustainable and eco friendly floral design. It's called THE SUSTAINABLE FLOWER SCHOOL.

Taught by our lead designer and Owner, Pilar Zuniga, who started Gorgeous and Green in 2008 (Named a Top 50 Wedding Florist in North America by Florist's Review and a 2023 Mayesh Design Star). These courses will be a download of methods and insight she has learned and developed over the past 15 years. From having sustainable flower shops and boutiques to designing large scale events and weddings the emphasis has always been on using local and sustainable materials, methods and business practices.

Each course is designed for current florists, business owners and designers looking to be more sustainable in their practice. Whether you have a retail store, are starting your own design company or you're a seasoned florist looking to hone your skills, these sessions are for you.

The Sustainable Flower School will help you become more sustainable in your design methods and business practices while promoting more artistry and creativity.

#1 Personals

#2 Vase Arrangements

#3 Installs
#4 The Sustainable Flower Biz
Intensive #1 Small Personals
Intensive #2 Bridal Bouquets

All workshops are spread over two days and will take place at the Gorgeous and Green Studio and outdoor garden or at the indoor photo and film studio of Mama Dog Studios, all located in Oakland, CA.

Full and Partial Scholarships available. Learn more HERE

Click HERE for tips on local lodging, restaurants and things to do in Oakland and San Francisco.

Interior of Mama Dog Studios

Course pricing includes lessons, all materials and tools needed. For the 2 day sessions: snacks, a light lunch is provided on each day. Professional photos of your work may also be provided dependent on number of attendees for the two day sessions. Lodging and other meals except those mentioned are not provided, however we have lodging recommendations and group discounts available.

Full and Partial Scholarships Are Available. Please visit the Scholarships page for details.

#1 Personals

We will include the following lessons and practice during the two day workshop:

-sourcing local grown and sustainably grown flowers and foliage

-flowers, form and function -intro to growing your own items for personals

-bridal bouquet practice, the spiral hand tied and architecture

-boutonnières with less waste -pin on and wrist corsages using less waste

-hair crowns and hair pieces using by less waste

#2 Vase Arrangements

We will include the following lessons and practice during the two day workshop:

-foam free mechanic options

-vase selection, looks, architecture and styles

-The low table arrangement

-The pedestal arrangement

-Bud vases

-Statement Arrangements

-color theory and seasonality

-Structure and travel of designs

#3 Installs

We will include the following lessons and practice during the two day workshop:

-seasonality and weddings/events

-Varied Arch options

-Arch Friendly flowers

-Arch decor with and without water

-Free form and hanging arrangements

-Meadows and Floor arrangements without foam

-Frogs, oshun pouches, wire, branches and other supports

#4 Sustainable Flower Biz

Sustainable business practices for gift delivery and flower shops. The two day workshop will include:

-budgets, pricing and profit

-marketing sustainability

-eco friendly flower shop and studio procedures (if you already have a local shop, we can include a site visit to your shop to audit your sustainable methods and provide ideas for new methods)

-fast (and still sustainable) flower designs

-seasonality and flexibility

-vase and flower selection and troubleshooting

-Transportation and Delivery

-Educating Clients and Creating Awareness

Our Half Day Intensives are a great way for florists to work on specific sustainable skill sets and include:

...

Small Personals Intensive Sustainable floral design techniques

Background on Pilar Zuniga and Gorgeous and Green:

Pilar Zuniga, Lead Designer and Owner of Gorgeous and Green Mayesh Design Star and seasoned educator

Gorgeous and Green was named a top 50 Wedding Florist in North America by The Florist's Review. Pilar Zuniga was selected as a 2023 Mayesh Design Star Focusing on Sustainability, and is a seasoned educator and workshop facilitator. View one of her Mayesh Design Star Tutorials here to get an idea of her sustainable mindset and a view of the shipping container studio and outdoor garden:

Thank you to our Current Sponsors:

Figone Nursery flower grower Half Moon Bay