'Dig' floral design? MSU offering another chance to 'dig' big

Contact: Sammy McDavid

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University is opening registration for its popular, limited-enrollment summer training in floral design.

Offered for the seventh year by the department of plant and soil sciences, the 2006 Floral Design Workshop will be held July 31-Aug. 4 at the University Florist, which is located near the Perry Cafeteria on Lee Boulevard.

To make the experience as educationally complete as possible for each participant, enrollment again will be capped at about a dozen. Registration forms will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Associate professor Jim DelPrince, campus florist manager Lynette McDougald and freelance floral designer Tracy Proctor of Tupelo will lead various sessions of the 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily program (that includes an hour lunch break).

DelPrince said topics will include, among others, corsage and bouquet creation, vase arrangements, sympathy design, and party work.

"Our classes traditionally include participants with all levels of floral design abilities," DelPrince said. "We work very hard to create a fun experience where everyone can learn a great deal about floral care and handling, new design methods, and much, much more.

"As always, there will be considerable hands-on practice," he added.

For registrations received by July 12, the workshop fee is $400; $500, thereafter. The fee covers the cost of all required plant materials and florist supplies.

DelPrince said participants are responsible for brining their own scissors, wire cutters and other appropriate work tools.

For additional information, contact DelPrince at 662-325-3585 or jdelprince@pss.msstate.edu. McDougald also can be reached at the same telephone number. The mailing address is Floral Design Workshop, c/o University Florist, P.O. Box 9522, Mississippi State, MS 39762.