Flowers for Spring? Groundbreaking.
I recently led a Floral Design Workshop with the students at Rockefeller University in partnership with the Office of University Life & Community Engagement. This is the second year we’ve hosted this class, focusing on seasonal blooms and teaching students how to create an impressive, well-constructed bouquet, perfect for gifting to loved ones or displaying in their own homes.
One of my favorite parts of the experience is seeing how students, who are often immersed in highly analytical and scientific work, engage with a creative, hands-on medium. We use a simple floral design technique that is easy to replicate at home, while also discussing topics such as sourcing flowers from local bodegas or Trader Joe’s, selecting complementary flowers and color palettes, and tips for keeping blooms fresh and long-lasting.
The workshop begins with a bountiful spring lunch featuring fresh seasonal sandwiches and sides prepared by the Rockefeller Catering Kitchen. During lunch, I demonstrate the bouquet-building technique before students dive into creating their own arrangements. It’s always exciting to watch each bouquet take on its own personality as students experiment with different combinations of flowers, textures, and colors.
To wrap up the class, students learn how to properly package their creations in a way that is both protective and visually appealing, ensuring their bouquets make it home safely.
Fun fact: I’ve been a Floral Designer for nearly 18 years, so if you ever have a flower-related question, I’m your girl!
By day, Jessi is the Catering Director at Rockefeller University for Great Performances. But when she’s not planning exceptional events, she’s usually surrounded by flowers. A floral designer for more than 18 years, Jessi got her start in her hometown flower shop before spending eight years in Savannah, Georgia, as a wedding planner and floral designer. She later became an Event Designer and Floral Instructor at FlowerSchool New York, where she still teaches as a Master Instructor on weekends. She’s also the go-to wedding florist for friends and family (and has two weddings on her calendar this year alone!)
When it comes to flowers, Jessi loves sourcing blooms from the Union Square Greenmarket, Flower Aggregate in Bushwick, and even her local bodega flower stand (with Trader Joe’s as a trusty backup). Her favorite summer flowers are zinnias and celosia, and she’s always happy to share floral wisdom, including her favorite fun fact: ants help peony buds open by feeding on their sap. Her biggest advice? Pick up a few bunches of flowers and have fun. Floral arranging is the perfect excuse for a little creative, brain-off time.
