Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State is announcing dates for the popular, limited capacity floral design workshop held each summer for professionals and pre-professionals.
Now in its 10th year, the hands-on training program will take place July 20-24 on the university campus.
July 6 is the registration deadline for the 12 slots filled on a first-come basis, said Jim DelPrince. An associate professor of plant and soil sciences, he leads the event with faculty colleague Lynette McDougald, also manager of the University Florist.
"In this year's course, participants will learn about the latest care and handling techniques to make flowers last, popular styles for all occasions and a variety of sales and marketing tips to help deal with current economic conditions," DelPrince added.
Joining him and McDougald on the staff will be Tanya Green-Gala, a Copiah-Lincoln Community College instructor and freelance designer throughout the region. Green-Gala is a graduate of MSU's nationally recognized floral education curriculum, and all three are members of the American Institute of Floral Designers.
"This year's workshop will include a new feature," DelPrince said. "On the 23rd, we will have a commentated dinner show and view new ideas in table centerpieces."
Participants should bring a florist knife, shears and wire cutters. Took kits will be available at the campus florist and may be purchased on the first class day.
Details on workshop costs and an application form may be accessed at www.theuniversityflorist.com/upcoming/workshop.html.
"We are urging interested individuals to sign up as early as possible, since registration must be closed when classroom capacity is reached," DelPrince said.
Registration information also may be obtained by telephone or mail. Contact Debra Dewberry at 662-325-2311 or c/o the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, P.O. Box 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.