BILOXI, Miss. -- Floral enthusiasts can learn how to make a variety of fall floral arrangements and décor during several workshops from September to December.

 

Jim DelPrince, horticulture specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and his special guests Julie Poeltler and Wanda Norton will show participants how to design several seasonal arrangements.

 

Poeltler is the owner of Julie’s Fountain of Flowers in Lone Tree, Iowa, a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and an Iowa Master Florist. She routinely delivers floral design programs throughout the U.S. and Canada. Norton is one of the first to earn the Master Floral Designer certification through the MSU Extension Master Floral Designer program.

 

Five workshops are aimed at floral enthusiasts.

 

On Sept. 20, participants will learn to create a fall floral coffee mug arrangement using fresh flowers and trims.

 

On Oct. 8, Poeltler will guide participants in creating an autumn-themed wreath made with Mississippi-grown muscadine vine during the Fall Floral Design Seminar.

 

On Oct. 25, class members will learn to create a fun, fresh arrangement for Halloween.

 

On Nov. 29, Norton will show participants how to create a miniature boxwood Christmas tree complete with mini decorations for the tabletop.

 

On Dec. 6, participants will learn how to make a candlelight lantern centerpiece with holiday greenery and accents from Norton.

 

Certified Master Floral Designers who have completed the studio portion of the class and Master Floral Design students are invited to attend an Oct. 9 workshop. Poeltler will provide in-depth floral design from her perspective with refreshed insight on design elements. Participants will make a detailed floral handbag.  

 

The Master Floral Designer class begins Aug. 28 for those who want to learn the basics of floral design, including dried flowers, various mechanics and accessories, and proper care and use of fresh flowers. The class is open to beginners. Participants will complete 42 hours of in-studio education and then return 40 hours of volunteer floral design service in the community to earn certification.

 

Registration is required and costs vary. Seating is limited. For workshop times, required tools and registration fees for each class, or to register online, visit the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center website.

 

All workshops and classes will be held in the floral studio at the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center, located at 1815 Popps Ferry Road in Biloxi.

 

For more information, contact DelPrince at 228-546-1011 or j.delprince@msstate.edu.