Distinctly Colorful & Seasonal
an extraordinary floral design workshop experience
spring 2025
April 27th & 28th
hosted at
Jardin de Buis, Pottersville NJ
Led by three of the most sought after designers in the industry—Graeme Corbett, Max Gill, and T.J. McGrath; this two-day, immersive workshop is designed for florists and flower lovers who want to elevate their craft, refine their techniques, and explore exciting new creative possibilities.
You're invited to join us Jardin de Buis, — it's an invitation to immerse yourself in nature's artistry while we explore the intricacies of our craft. Every detail, from its curated botanical collections, to its intimate yet grand ambiance, will transport you from your day-to-day and spark your imagination.
We florists count the days until spring, (some of us from the time the dahlia suffer their first frost) because it always arrives with renowned sense of new beginnings, vibrant growth and boundless possibilities.
With that said, there is so much we can learn from practicing a wee bit of restraint—a challenge more so in spring than probably any other season.
At the end of this master class, whether you're a floral designer, farmer florist, photographer, event planner, designer or just a flower lover, you will leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to design with seasonality and intention in mind; confident using sustainable mechanics that enable you to create breathtaking florals truly reflective of your own personal style.
Space is limited for this incredible opportunity to learn from these three industry luminaries.
Originally from upstate New York, Max has called the Bay Area home for almost 35 years. Perhaps best known for his work at Chez Panisse where he has done the flowers for over a decade, Max started Max Gill Design in 2005 and now offers full floral services for weddings, special events and private clients. Informed by natural process, Max’s work is distinguished by his reliance on specialty blooms and botanical rarities gleaned from local growers, his own formidable cut flower garden in North Berkeley, and a long list of bay area nurseries.
Sustainability is at the forefront of TJ's NJ home-based studio. Whether it be weekly deliveries for private clients, or the limited number of full service events & weddings offered seasonally; TJ's work is rooted in local and seasonal expressions of nature.
tbd.
a description of our itinerary for the day.....
tbd
tbd
on Sunday, we'll gather at 9am for an early meet and greet with coffee and danish. From there we'll stroll the grounds a bit on a guided tour with Andrea Filippone, architect, landscape architect, interior designer, and our hostess at Jardin de Buis & learn a bit about how Jardin de Buis has evolved and inspired over the years.
MONDAY we'll gather back at the orangerie for coffee and ......
Floral Installations
LAST YEAR WE SAID...Styling an installation as a creative outlet offers invaluable experience, hones your skills & helps put time in a tangible perspective - every florists knows, time is money. Styling not only feeds your creative urges; it teaches how to adapt, adjust and the need for flexibility in the heat of the moment; skills and mindset crucial in floral event & set design, but equally so in any opportunity that comes your way.
The most impactful floral installations are those that not only take into account the clients wishes, but are also thoughtfully imagined, reflective of the venue/location in which they're enhancing as much as they are artfully crafted.
For our morning hands-on, we'll take these considerations into account & drawing inspiration from Jardin itself.
We'll create a seasonal styled-moment/install centered around our luncheon table. This is a collaborative a hands-on; however we fully appreciate that some guests absorb more by taking a step back and watching. Any retreat/workshop is your time and an investment in yourself-we want you to feel comfortable taking in the knowledge in the way that works best and is most comfortable for you.
Registration is Open & Space is Limited
This 2 day masterclass invites you to delve deep into your artistic side,
infuse seasonality in your designs and events while discovering new skills.
Your $3,200 investment includes:
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A generous bounty of seasonal blooms to choose from for all of our hands on designing.
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Bowl and mechanics to create your own centerpiece.
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Materials/mechanics required for designing a seasonal installation.
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An artisanal, seasonally inspired light lunch & refreshment both days. Monday evening, a farewell dinner where we get to enjoy our labor of love, our floral installation.
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OUR undivided attention and guidance as we share our expertise and inspirations with you.
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A gallery of images of our time together photographed by Graeme & TJ (we encourage you to bring your own camera as well)
Travel/Accommodations are NOT included in registration.
If traveling from outside the area,
the nearest airport is Newark Liberty International
When searching for stays use Califon New Jersey 07830
to find the closest hotels, AirBnB's and B&B's
Terms/Conditions
PLACE
The workshop will be held in the Green houses and Orangery at Jardin de Buis, approximately 60 minutes west of New York City, and approximately 35 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, in the picturesque landscape of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. There are four English Setters who do love to greet guests and visitors to the estate, so dare we say, "must love dogs". Jardin de Buis is a working farm & estate. Please be mindful and select appropriate footwear for working days.
PAYMENT
The workshop is payable via the PayPal link. This will secure your place. If you have any questions please email tj@tjmcgrathdesign.com Please check travel and accommodations expenses and policies as those are NOT included in the class registration fee.
START AND END TIMES
The workshop days start time will be confirmed & emailed to participants a few days priorate the class, though we usually like and early start, 9-9:30 ish. We aim to finish on day two by 4pm. It maybe that we run over time on some days and this should be considered if booking transport such as taxi’s, airline/train tickets. You are obviously welcome to leave whenever you like.
REFUNDS
We will not be able to refund your place if you are unable to attend, even if we re-sell it. Check with your travel partners regarding their policies around issuing refunds prior to booking your place at the workshop. Please make sure you have your travel insurance in place to cover any eventualities if you are unable to join us.
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
We cannot be held liable for situations beyond our control, including (but not limited to) acts of war, acts of God, threats or acts of terrorism, civil unrest, weather related issues or unforseen personal circumstances/choices. We also cannot offer refunds for illness, flight delays or any other circumstances.
COVID
In the event that the world shuts down again due to Covid and we have to cancel the workshop due to new restrictions then we will offer a full refund. We cannot , however offer a refund for individual cases of Covid. Please do not attend if you test positive or suspect you have Covid.
CANCELLATION ON OUR PART
In the unlikely event of a teacher cancellation, every effort will be made to deliver the same content by another accomplished person in the same field. If we need to cancel the workshop, we will refund the money you have paid so far. We cannot be held responsible for other expenditure and costs such as flights though. Please make sure you have insurance in place for this.
AGREEMENT
By choosing to purchase a place in this Master Class you are inherently agreeing to the above stated terms and conditions and waive any right to pursue liability against any workshop organizers and/or host venue.
