Spotlight on Education

Here is a very proud co-owner of our little shop accepting his ICPF certificate at the ISFA spring conference.  Our very own Michael Barrett is now an Illinois Certified Professional Florist.  For those of you keeping score at home that gives The Secret Garden 3 ICPF florists and 1 Certified Balloonist!

We believe that being certified sets us apart from our competition.  It lets people know that we are experts in our field and that we can be trusted with their floral purchases.  

At The Secret Garden we also believe that attending classes and workshops is an important part of being a florist.  Just a few weeks ago we attended the ISFA florist convention in Springfield Illinois.  We took part in hands on classes, marketing workshops, and design shows.  Here are some shots of the guys and gals hard at work on a design during a workshop.

Carol working hard on her beautiful piece.  She is experimenting with new beading techniques.

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Believe it or not this was Amy's first time designing on her own.  She did an amazing job, even the instructors thought so!

 Michael practicing his new ICPF skills!

Smile Sheryl, yours look GREAT!  

All in all we had a great time with our teacher Jeff Corbin!  He got the blood flowing with his energetic attitude and lead us on a designing adventure.  

Now we get to put those new skills to use.  Look for a design similar to this one in April as our Arrangement of the Month!

Inspiration ~

Right now in San Francisco there is an amazing convention going on.  It's where the best florists in America get together and share ideas, stories, flowers, and more.  Oh what I would give to be there this week, to see those designs, to smell those flowers.  


If you want to see some of the creations visit the AIFD National Symposium Facebook page here.


So what is AIFD?  AIFD stands for American Institute of Floral Design.  


"Established in 1965, the American Institute of Floral Designers is, today, the floral industry's leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design. AIFD and its worldwide accredited members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational design programs and in designing flowers for such renowned events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Academy Awards and Presidential Inaugurations. They are an extraordinary group of talented artists.

Accredited membership in AIFD is extremely selective and can be obtained only after a candidate has effectively demonstrated advanced professional ability of his or her floral artistry. Members proudly wear the "AIFD addendum on their name to demonstrate that their peers have found them to be "Accredited in Floral Design." They must continue to demonstrate their "cutting edge" art by meeting specified continuing education requirements.

Each July, AIFD presents its acclaimed National Symposium. Considered to be the most important design education event in the floral industry, this dynamic conclave attracts designers, educators and interested individuals from all corners of the world.

In the U.S., AIFD Accredited members participate in six regional chapters that each host activities for the education of the floral industry as well as for the floral consumer market. AIFD supports student chapters located on the campuses of major colleges and universities across the nation.

Through its Foundation, the Institute also offers scholarships to talented young designers. AIFD partner members, as manufacturers and distributors of products and services to the floral industry, are also an important part of the Institute as they help fund numerous design education events.

Accredited members of AIFD are uniquely qualified to help you create the floral and decorating accents that express your individual style." *AIFD website provided the quoted text.

In April I received the honor of ICPF, Illinois Certified Professional Florist, that is the first step for me. I am on my way.  Someday I will be honored to display the AIFD after my name as well.  Time, patience, and growing my style, that is my plan.  I "imagine" my day on that stage.  

That is what is inspiring me today, what inspires you?