The Iowa Master Gardener Program with ISU Extension and Outreach Mahaska County will host a new Floral Arranging series including hands-on instruction with renowned floral expert, Dan Brabec via webinar.
Designed to explore individual creative and artistic expression, this series will connect participants with an expert who has over 25 years’ experience in the floral arranging profession. Dan Brabec is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. He teaches Elements of Floral Design, Wedding and Event Floral Design, and Houseplants and Interiorscapes. Dan was the previous owner of Coe’s Floral and Gifts in Ames, IA and has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, wedding publications, and has designed florals for Walt Disney World.
This series will occur at three different times throughout the growing season: early spring, mid-summer, and late fall. Each session uses seasonal blooms and fillers to give students the skills needed to create beautiful arrangements throughout the year.
The second session takes place Tuesday August 9 from 6-7:30 pm, with final session taking place November 16. Participants are welcome to attend just one, two or all three sessions, as each is a stand-alone presentation. No previous gardening or floral arranging experience is required.
In Mahaska County, you may participate in the August 9 session one of three ways:
- Flowers and vases provided, $25 per participant*
- Bring purchased or from your own garden items: 30 or more stems of focus flowers, secondary flowers, filler flowers and foliage/greenery and vessel/vase, no fee.
- Observe only – no fee
*Register and pay by Tuesday August 2th at the Mahaska County Extension office (212 North I Street, Oskaloosa).
Seasonal focus flowers can include Sunflowers, Hibiscus, Canna, Zinnia, Snapdragons, Lilies, Gladiolas, Dahlias, Delphinium
Secondary flowers can include Daylilies, Phlox, salvia, Coneflower, Yarrow, Joe-Pye Weed, Bells of Ireland, Black Eyed Susan, Penstemon
Filler flowers can include Golden Aster, Babies Breath, Russian Sage, Monte Casino Aster, Veronica, Sea Holly, Bee Balm/Monarda, Coral Bells, Spiderwort
Foliage/Greenery can include peony foliage, hosta leaves, ornamental grasses, weigelia foliage, spirea foliage, asparagus foliage, baptisia foliage, Ninebark, Smokebush
Purchased Focal Flowers could include Iris, Roses, Lilies, Hydrangea, Spider Mums, Gerber Daisies, Sunflowers
Purchased Secondary Flowers could include Carnations, Daisies, Alstroemeria, Mini Carnations, Matsumoto Asters, Stock, Snapdragons
Purchased Filler Flowers could include Babies Breath, Solid Aster, Monte casino Aster, Limonium, Wax Flower
Purchased Greenery could include Leather Leaf, Salal, Pittosporum, Tree Fern, Ruscus, Myrtle
Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their nineteenth year. The local program organized after the county held their first training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.
More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.
