Creating foraged floral designs with local florist

(TAYLORVILLE) – Carrie Waterman, owner of “A Classic Bouquet” in Taylorville, shared her expertise in creating floral designs on Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Christian County Extension Office. Over 15 participants joined the session in-person and online.

The most important lesson Carrie taught was how imperative it is to look around your very own garden or neighborhood for inspiration, florals, and accents. She also suggested the book, “Foraged Florals: A Year of Gathering and Arranging Wild Plants and Flowers,” by Louesa Roebuck and Sarah Lonsdale.

The book displays images of flowering arrangements using local and foraged plants and flowers to create beautiful arrangements, with ideas and inspiration for the whole year. Carrie wrapped up the session by putting together an arrangement using items she found outdoors. At the end of the class, participants were asked to list the most important ideas they plan to put into practice as a result of participating in the workshop. Nine responded and more than one mentioned their plans to use natural plant materials from their own neighborhood in their arrangements.

As well as being the owner of her local floral/gift shop, Carrie studied at the American Institute of Floral Designers to enhance her natural talents for creating lovely bouquets and arrangements. She is also a member of the Illinois State Floral Association, an organization founded in 1905, one of the most accomplished and recognized floral association in the country. Carrie has won numerous awards with these associations for the beauty of her work.

For more information about floral education, go to the Illinois State Florists’ Association website at http:// www.isfaflorists.com/boot- camp to learn more about upcoming workshops in the area.