Adult Community Education | Floristry | 2.5-hour Workshop
with Katherine Olmstead IMF
Saturday, July 18 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Lower Classroom (Gate 4)
The Art of Floral Installation: Uncommon Mechanics
Join Katherine Olmstead, Canadian International Master Florist, for a hands-on workshop exploring sustainable floral installation techniques for immersive botanical design. This class is designed for garden groups, floral art competitors, event florists, and anyone interested in creating nature-inspired installations such as wedding arches, sculptural floral work, and land art.
Participants will learn a variety of environmentally conscious mechanics that avoid the use of floral foam and other non-recyclable materials, while exploring creative approaches to structure, support, and botanical movement within installation work.
Techniques explored will include:
- Wire work and foundation building
- Reused and repurposed materials
- Wool-based mechanics
- Bamboo structures and supports
- Wax technique
- Fastening methods
This workshop is demonstration-based with hands-on components, and participants will leave with wire and practice materials to continue experimenting with techniques at home.
Participants are welcome to bring a notebook, photos of inspiration, or any interesting materials they may wish to discuss or experiment with.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Date & Location
Saturday July 18, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
GATE 4: The Lower Classroom
at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$110.00 Regular
$100.00 HCP Members
REGISTER ONLINE or call 250 479 6162
**If the workshop is full, email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list. Please include the name of the class and your phone number.**
Instructor Bio: Katherine Olmstead IMF
Katherine Olmstead is a floral designer, horticulturist, and marketing strategist based in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2023, she became the first Canadian to earn the title of International Master Florist, graduating from the Boerma Institute in the Netherlands under the mentorship of Gregor Lersch, a globally celebrated floral artist.
Originally from Toronto, Katherine draws inspiration from her diverse travels and the natural beauty of her home on Vancouver Island. She is passionate about blending her botanical knowledge with artistic creativity to design sustainable and innovative floral pieces for events, creative projects, wearable fresh floral fashion, and installations.
Katherine is enthusiastic about promoting sustainability and sharing her expertise through teaching and mentorship. Her workshops offer participants a chance to connect with local nature, develop artistic skills, and explore their creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment. When she’s not designing in a studio or working in a local flower shop, Katherine enjoys experimenting with other artforms and types of expression to add on to her floral toolbelt.
