Adult Community Education | Floristry | 3-hour Workshop
with Katherine Olmstead IMF
Join Katherine Olmstead, Canadian International Master Florist, for a three-hour hands-on workshop exploring the art of wearable florals. Katherine will demonstrate how to create a floral hairpiece, floral earrings, a floral bow tie, and modern interpretations of boutonnieres and corsages. Participants can choose which piece they’d like to design and take home.
This workshop will cover essential techniques, including how to properly treat, hydrate, fasten, and design wearable botanicals so they last beautifully for events, photoshoots, and celebrations. You’ll leave inspired to look more closely at natural materials, exploring creative deconstruction while learning environmentally conscious floral practices. Perfect timing for prom and graduation season.
Tools & materials included:
* Clippers (participants are welcome to bring their own)
* Floral tape
* Floral wire
* Seasonal blooms and foliage
* Cold (florist) glue
* Pins, hair clips, and fastening materials
Participants are also welcome to bring any personal materials or “treasures” they’d like to incorporate.
Light refreshments and a snack will be provided.
Date & Location
Friday, June 5, 2026, 5:30-8:30 pm
The Classroom at the Gardens at HCP
505 Quayle Road, Saanich
Fees & Registration
$145.00 Regular
$135.00 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.
