Building on the foundation of our Floristic Dialog Sustainable Design Virtual Program, this immersive 3-day workshop brings together Per Benjamin, Max van de Sluis, and Hitomi Gilliam for an in-depth, hands-on learning experience. Together, they will guide students through the principles and techniques of contemporary sustainable European design, rooted in time-honoured methods from past generations. Participants will explore essential mechanics such as binding, weaving, and arranging. You’ll gain the skills to create refined, nature-led compositions and expressive floral installations with intention, structure, and artistry.

Set amidst the timeless beauty of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, our Charleston workshop unfolds in one of the South’s most historic and evocative landscapes. Founded in 1676, Magnolia offers a breathtaking backdrop of romantic gardens, ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and winding waterways that reflect the rhythms of nature in every season. This extraordinary setting provides the perfect environment for creative exploration, inviting us to connect deeply with sustainable design practices while drawing inspiration from the rich textures, colors, and natural forms that surround us.

In addition to an inspiring educational experience, the workshop includes a thoughtfully curated selection of amenities designed to make your time both seamless and memorable. Guests will enjoy food and drinks at a welcoming reception, daily admission to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and light breakfast snacks to start each workshop day. Catered lunches are provided daily, along with a special group dinner on October 21st, offering time to connect and unwind together. Each participant will also receive a beautifully curated workshop swag bag, filled with thoughtful details to enhance your experience.

Join us the evening before Day 1 for a relaxed and friendly Welcome Reception, where you’ll have a chance to meet your fellow participants, meet your instructors, and indulge in a catered selection of Charleston’s finest Food & Sweets! You’ll receive your welcome Swag Bag, filled with useful goodies, workshop materials, and a few special surprises to enhance your experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to settle in, ask questions, and start building connections before the floral adventure officially begins the next morning.

Day 1 begins with an engaging Sustainable Floristry Tools & Supplies Fair, where students will be introduced to a range of innovative, eco-conscious materials through live demonstration and guided experimentation. From there, the focus shifts to Bouquets with Structures, as Per, Max, and Hitomi lead an in-depth lecture and demonstration exploring foundational mechanics and construction techniques. Students will then translate these concepts into their own work during a hands-on session with personalized coaching from all three instructors. The day concludes with a collaborative student review, followed by individual design photography to capture each creation.

On Day 2, the focus turns to creating Arrangements without Foam, drawing inspiration from historical methods and time-tested mechanics that eliminate the need for floral foam. Through a comprehensive demonstration and lecture, students will explore a variety of sustainable techniques rooted in past generations, learning how these approaches can be applied in modern design. The hands-on session allows for deeper exploration and refinement, with ongoing guidance from Per, Max, and Hitomi. The day concludes with a thoughtful group review and professional photography of each student’s work.

The final day expands into Big Design Installations, where students will explore the principles of scale, collaboration, and impactful floral storytelling. Following a demonstration and lecture, participants will work in teams to create large-scale installations, applying sustainable mechanics in a dynamic, group setting. After a group review and photography session, the focus shifts to Sustainable Breakdown and Waste Management, where students will engage in a collaborative challenge—repurposing materials into a final sympathy design while learning best practices for responsible post-event breakdown. The workshop concludes with a group photo and off to a Celebratory Group Dinner to mark the end of an inspiring and memorable experience.