Duties of the Floral Design Chair
Late Summer Planning Meeting
Begin the year with a committee meeting to discuss goals, projects, fundraising activities, educational programs, and special events. Gather ideas, recruit volunteers, and establish the year's calendar.
Trunk Show (October)
Plan and coordinate the committee's largest fundraising project. Select a design theme and create approximately 12–14 table arrangements, plus arrangements for the entrance table and powder rooms. Order flowers from DWF Wholesale Florist Market, secure containers and supplies, and coordinate volunteers. Consider using containers that can be sold with the arrangements after the event, eliminating storage needs while generating additional income. Coordinate the annual hydrangea cloud display, created from painted dried hydrangeas and suspended above the entrance.
Holiday Luncheon Arrangements
Select and purchase containers, order flowers from DWF Wholesale Florist Market, and coordinatethe collection of greens from committee members. Organize the arrangement workshop, typically held the Sunday before the luncheon. Number each arrangement and maintain a record of sales during the luncheon by recording arrangement numbers, purchaser names, and payments.
Annual Garden Club of America Floral Design Conference
Coordinate the annual watch party, typically held in February. Arrange the meeting space, organize a potluck lunch, and encourage participation. The conference provides education and inspiration in floral design, botanical arts, and related topics.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Arrange a workshop, demonstration, or presentation by a florist or floral designer during March or April. Programs may focus on contemporary design, traditional arrangements, floral mechanics, seasonal materials, or other design techniques.
Mother's Day Children's Program
Coordinate the annual Mother's Day activity for children. Obtain containers and decorating materials, provide flowers, recruit volunteers, and assist children as they create arrangements to give as gifts.
General Responsibilities
Encourage participation in floral design activities, recruit and coordinate volunteers, oversee floral design purchases and budgets, support fundraising efforts, promote floral design education, and encourage participation in flower shows and other club events.
Floral Design Committee Year-End Recap
August – Welcome Meeting
The Floral Design Committee began the year with a welcome meeting in August. Committee members discussed goals, programs, projects, and activities planned for the year ahead, setting the stage for a productive and creative season.
September – Benches Greenhouse Field Trip
In September, the committee visited Benches for a field trip. Jill guided members through the greenhouse and provided an inside look at the daily operations involved in growing and maintaining plants. Members learned about planting, cultivation, and the extensive work required behind the scenes. The visit was both educational and enjoyable, and participants greatly appreciated the opportunity.
October – Trunk Show Fundraiser
Planning for the annual Trunk Show fundraiser began in September and culminated in early October. The committee selected a design called a 'pot de fleur,' a French term describing a potted plant enhanced with fresh floral stems. Herbs were used as the living plants, while mason jars inserted into larger containers held fresh flowers. Moss was used to unify and finish the designs. Approximately twelve pot de fleur arrangements were created, along with smaller floral pieces for powder rooms. The fundraiser was a successful showcase of the committee's creativity and teamwork.
November – Holiday Luncheon Arrangements
In preparation for the Holiday Luncheon, the committee selected planter sleighs as the featured design. Floral foam was placed inside the sleighs, and members contributed a variety of freshly cut greens. Carnations, roses, and complementary materials were added to create festive arrangements. The completed designs were offered for sale, and all arrangements sold successfully, generating funds for the organization.
February – Floral Design Conference Watch Party
The committee gathered in the library for a watch party featuring the Annual Garden Club of America Floral Design Conference. Members enjoyed a potluck lunch while viewing presentations on floral design, botanical arts, and table scaping. The program provided inspiration, education, and new ideas for future projects.
March – Flower Show Preparation
During March, committee meetings focused on preparations for the club's flower show. Members worked on developing the flower show schedule and discussing expectations for floral design exhibitors. As Floral Design Chair, encouragement was given to all members to participate, helping
foster enthusiasm and involvement throughout the committee.
Early May – Mother's Day Children's Program
Several committee volunteers assisted with a Mother's Day project at the library. Children decorated vases and created small floral arrangements to give as gifts for Mother's Day. The program provided a fun and meaningful introduction to floral design for young participants.
Late May – Flower Show
The year concluded with the flower show at the library. The Floral Design Committee was well represented with numerous participants exhibiting their work. The event showcased the creativity, dedication, and accomplishments of the committee and served as a fitting culmination of a successful year.
Conclusion
The Floral Design Committee enjoyed a productive and rewarding year filled with educational opportunities, creative projects, successful fundraising efforts, community outreach, and strong participation. Thank you to all committee members whose enthusiasm, talents, and contributions helped make the year a success.