are you...
Struggling to conceptualize and execute onsite installations that last?
facing challenges with packing and transporting foam free designs?
Having difficulty selling foam free designs to clients affordably?
you find yourself weighed down by logistics, second-guessing your mechanics, and worried your vision won’t hold up under the pressure of execution on event day.
you're consistently Stressed by fragile arrangements, anxious about flowers shifting in transit, and uncertain of hydration loss during travel to the venue.
you feel Frustrated by balancing sustainability with budgets, unsure how to communicate the value of foam free, and Overwhelmed by the high cost of sourcing specialized mechanics.
the mechanics of foam free floristry
For decades, certain foam free arrangements and large-scale installations have confounded even experienced florists. Since the sustainable floral movement was pioneered in the early aughts, there existed this notion of limitations.
At SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS, we’ll demystify those challenges and share proven methods that make the impossible not only achievable, but beautifully reliable. From sculptural centerpieces to ambitious installations, you’ll learn creative, foam-free approaches that elevate your designs while standing strong in real-world conditions. More than a workshop, SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS is an immersive experience created to connect you with like-minded creatives who share your commitment to innovation and sustainability. Set against the backdrop of Maine, every detail is curated — from inspiring sessions to nourishing meals and time for genuine connection. You’ll leave not only with new skills and systems, but with a refreshed perspective, lasting friendships, and the confidence to carry this movement forward in your own work.
you'll walk away with...
you’ll learn the mechanics that make ambitious foam free floristry not only possible, but dependable. From building strong foundations to mastering transport and installation systems, these lessons will give you the confidence to design at any scale.
mechanics
design
community
You’ll explore creative approaches to foam free floral design, from sculptural centerpieces to expansive installations. Each lesson is built to expand your artistry while ensuring your work remains visually dynamic embodying artistry and precision.
you’ll gather with like-minded florists who share your vision for creativity and sustainability. In the shared rhythm of learning, creating, and dining together, a true sense of community emerges—one that continues to inspire throughout your floral career.
join us
april 27-may 1, 2026
scotland fields
250 Cider Hill Rd, York, ME 03909
$5,000 after November 15, 2025
shared room with a shared bathroom
early bird $4,500
$5,250 after November 15, 2025
private room with a shared bathroom
early bird $4,725
$5,500 after November 15, 2025
private room with a private bathroom
early bird $4,950
*Due to the nature of this offering, all sales are non refundable but are transferrable. please be sure to review our Terms & Conditions and contact us for questions or concerns.
Payment plans are available through Shop or Paypal. during checkout click to pay via shop or paypal then click the "pay" button at the bottom. You will be redirected to that service's site where you can setup your payment plan.
we are offering an all inclusive experience for 15-18 creatives at a stunning retreat in southern maine. while You will be responsible for your own travel, we will provide all lodging, tools and flowers! for all non-catered meals we will provide a fully stocked kitchen for your cooking needs!
pricing
what we'll deliver
- 1 lecture style learning session with Q&A
- 5 group design Lessons
- 4 night stay in a historic farmhouse circa 1732
- 4 breakfast/Lunch Meals
- fully stocked kitchen for all independent meals
- 2 catered dinners
- 1 group shuttle to and from Portsmouth, Nh
- 1 group shuttle to and from Portland, ME
- professional gallery of images
- thank you gifts
- professional resources
DAY one
3pm - check in at Scotland fields
5pm - welcome cocktail social
DAY two
9Am - intro to mechanics & transport
12:30pm - lunch break
1:30pm - Q&A
2:30pm - container arrangements
DAY three
9Am - xl statement arrangements
12:00pm - lunch break
1:00pm - on site installation florals
4:30pm - Proffessional photos
DAY four
9Am - elevated centerpiece florals
12:30pm - lunch break
1:30pm - low arrangements & cascades
4:00pm - personal break
6pm - farewell dinner
DAY five
9Am - group breakfast/informal Q&A
11:00am - checkout
getting here
portsmouth, NH (recomended)
Fly into Boston LOgan Airport (BOS) for the most affordable travel
buses run to portsmouth, nh via C&J Travel
We will provide a group shuttle, meeting 2:30pm at the C&J bus station
Taxis and car rentals are also available in the area
PORTLAND, ME
Fly into Boston LOgan Airport (BOS) for the most affordable travel
buses run to portland, me via Concord coach lines
Flights into Portland Jetport (PWM) are also available
We will provide a group shuttle, meeting 1:30pm at PWM and 1:45PM at the bus station
car rentals are also available in the area
taxis are available in portland proper but will not likely travel to york, maine
where you'll stay
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Farmhouse
Built in 1732, this 3300 sq ft, renovated New England beauty features cedar closets, Library / cocktail room, Spacious living and dining rooms, Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial gas range, wall oven, large pantry, original farm sink, a large island and private patio, a Dining patio with bistro lights, Game room with pool table, darts, and sliding barn doors to outside, Porch with rocking chairs, Stone patio with fire pit and string lights, Propane grill, all household linens and a fully stocked kitchen
The Bungalow
Built in 1908, this 2400 sq ft renovated craftsman includes a Fully equipped kitchen with soapstone counters, Butler’s pantry with copper sink, Open concept living / dining room with built-ins, Grand, original stone fireplace, Spectacular wrap-around porch with gorgeous river views, a Propane grill, All household linens and fully stocked kitchen
The Bungalow
Built in 1908, this 2400 sq ft renovated craftsman includes a Fully equipped kitchen with soapstone counters, Butler’s pantry with copper sink, Open concept living / dining room with built-ins, Grand, original stone fireplace, Spectacular wrap-around porch with gorgeous river views, a Propane grill, All household linens and fully stocked kitchen
The Bungalow
Built in 1908, this 2400 sq ft renovated craftsman includes a Fully equipped kitchen with soapstone counters, Butler’s pantry with copper sink, Open concept living / dining room with built-ins, Grand, original stone fireplace, Spectacular wrap-around porch with gorgeous river views, a Propane grill, All household linens and fully stocked kitchen
The Bungalow
Built in 1908, this 2400 sq ft renovated craftsman includes a Fully equipped kitchen with soapstone counters, Butler’s pantry with copper sink, Open concept living / dining room with built-ins, Grand, original stone fireplace, Spectacular wrap-around porch with gorgeous river views, a Propane grill, All household linens and fully stocked kitchen
The Bungalow
Built in 1908, this 2400 sq ft renovated craftsman includes a Fully equipped kitchen with soapstone counters, Butler’s pantry with copper sink, Open concept living / dining room with built-ins, Grand, original stone fireplace, Spectacular wrap-around porch with gorgeous river views, a Propane grill, All household linens and fully stocked kitchen
Florists courtney Pino and Carrie Hemmelgarn of Abby Garden Floral
Becca LINK
OF RGL EVENTS
meet your instructors
meet your workshop producers
With 18+ years of collective event experience, we exceed the role of traditional “wedding florists” by approaching each project as design and event experts with a passion for floral artistry. Our focus lies in crafting compositions that captivate the senses, infusing every project with confidence, creativity and innovation, exquisitely and seamlessly executed.
Our commitment to sustainable design goes beyond trend; it’s a core value that informs every decision we make. We strive to source mindfully, reduce waste, and work in harmony with the natural rhythms of each season. By prioritizing local blooms, reusable mechanics, and meticulously crafted materials, we’re able to create floral experiences that feel as pure as they are luxurious. Throughout every project, this mindset invites balance, thoughtfulness, and a deeper meaning. we’re intentional about minimizing our environmental impact while maximizing the emotional impact. this isn’t a limitation—it’s a design philosophy that we thrive off of.
Carrie coleman photography
rebeccca drouin
Film
so many more amazing maine vendors to be added soon!
Do I need prior floral experience or foam free design experience to attend?
Not at all! This workshop is designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re just beginning to explore foam free methods or looking to refine and scale your existing practice. we have tailored this experience for beginners and seasoned professionals alike!
What makes this workshop different from other floral education opportunities?
Unlike many design-focused workshops, *Sustainable Systems* goes beyond the aesthetics. You’ll gain proven systems for foam free mechanics, transport, and execution—skills that transform your workflow and are 100% tailored to sustainability in the event floristry industry. this is the first ever workshop of its kind in the us! although you can use this workshop to launch a floral business we will not be teaching basic sales and marketing techniques. However, We will touch upon these business aspects as it relates to sustainable floristry.
What’s included in the registration fee?
Your tuition covers everything from lodging and meals to hands-on instruction, professional photography, and community events. Once you arrive in new england, every detail is taken care of. See more on pricing here.
Will I get to create my own arrangements?
Absolutely! You’ll work through every scale of design. While several design sessions will be individual such as elevated centerpieces, others like large-scale installations will be in a group format, all with direct feedback and support from instructors.
How many people will be attending?
To ensure a deeply immersive and personal experience, space is limited to just 15-18 attendees. There will be plenty of 1:1 instruction and personal coaching.
What if I need to cancel my spot?
All registrations are non-refundable, but they are transferable to another attendee. please be sure to review our Terms & Conditions and contact us for questions or concerns.
Do I need to bring my own tools or supplies?
you're welcome to bring your favorite snips but We’ll provide all tools, flowers, vessels, and mechanics for the workshop.
How do I get to the venue?
You can fly into Boston (BOS) or Portland (PWM). From there, you can take a bus to Portsmouth or Portland. we’ll provide a group shuttle service to make travel even easier. see more travel information here.
will we create personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, etc)?
no, Small floral designs such as low centerpieces and wedding party flowers will not be included in this course. this workshop focuses on foam free large scale event floral design, sales, mechanics and transport—an aspect of sustainable floristry that has evaded designers for years.
will we discuss business strategies such as portfolio curation and sales?
yes! however, in leui of an introduction to the event floral industry, we will teach these subjects as it pertains to foam free floristry and scaling your business while using sustainable practices.