2023 Floral Design Conference INSPIRATIONS Showcases the Latest in Floral Design

March 01, 2023

Floral Design experts share expertise and inspiration, with an emphasis on Ikebana

On Tuesday, February 28, The Garden Club of America’s 2023 virtual Floral Design Conference INSPIRATIONS GCA club members around the country were inspired to pursue individual artistic directions and create floral designs in their own style. Experts like Belgian floral designer Ilse Beunen and New York-based Ingrid Carozzi—both practitioners of the Japanese art of Ikebana—shared examples and advice for exploring nature and “listening” to the voice of your materials. 

Beunen trained in Japan and has taught floral design for twenty-five years. She now works out of her Antwerp atelier to give plants and flowers a “second life.” She advises budding florists to step outside and absorb nature. “Ikebana is a way of life and an art form.”

Carozzi grew up in Sweden where, as a child, she often foraged for floral design materials. Now as the founder of Tin Can Studios in Long Island City she pursues sustainable design whenever possible. She encourages floral enthusiasts to experiment with unusual materials like the kiwi vine she tried for the first time during the conference. “I’m all for experimentation.”

In the morning session, Liz Wozencraft from The Garden Club of Houston discussed the use of line to create dynamic designs. In the afternoon session, the “Wissahickon Wizards”—Alice Farley and Leslie Purple from the Wissahickon Garden Club (Philadelphia)—shared four different pieces of botanical art crafted from the same material palette. \

This vibrant bouquet of floral design offerings helped GCA members chase the winter blues away!

See All News