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.
$3,900 after November 15, 2025
pay in full
early bird $3,700
$780 per month after November 15, 2025
5 monthly payments
early bird $740 per month
*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 Our service,
Klarna or Afterpay.
we are offering an educational experience for 12-15 creatives at a spacious modern studio in Portland, Maine. You will be responsible for your own travel, accommodations and most meals. we will provide workspace, tools and flowers, Lunches, a welcome cocktail social, a seated dinner and farewell Brunch!
pricing
what we'll deliver
- 1 lecture style learning session with Q&A
- 5 group design Lessons
- 3 LUNCHES
- 2 dinners
- 1 breakfast
- professional gallery of images
- thank you gifts
- professional resources
Early arrivals
5pm - welcome cocktail social
DAY ONE
9Am - intro to mechanics & transport
12:30pm - lunch break
1:30pm - Q&A
2:30pm - container arrangements
DAY two
9Am - xl statement arrangements
12:00pm - lunch break
1:00pm - on site installation florals
4:30pm - Proffessional photos
DAY three
9Am - elevated centerpiece florals
12:30pm - lunch break
1:30pm - low arrangements & cascades
4:00pm - personal break
6pm - farewell dinner
late departures
9Am - group breakfast/informal Q&A
getting here
PORTLAND, ME
Fly into Portland Jetport (PWM)
car rentals and taxis are available
BOSTON, MA
Fly into Boston LOgan Airport (BOS) for the most affordable & Direct travel
buses run to portland, me via Concord coach lines
BOS features most available car rentals
recommended stays
BLIND TIGER
LONGFELLOW
Press hotel
The Longfellow Hotel is a boutique, design-forward stay in Portland’s historic West End. Inspired by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it blends Maine’s coastal charm with refined, residential-style interiors. The property features the wellness-focused Astraea Spa, Twinflower Café, and Five of Clubs bar— just steps from Portland’s vibrant downtown. Rooms average $175 per night.
The Blind Tiger is a boutique guesthouse in Portland’s West End, set within two beautifully restored 19th-century mansions. Once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it now offers a refined, residential-style stay with artful interiors, vintage furnishings, and cozy communal spaces. With its intimate feel and rich history, it’s like staying in the home of a well-connected Portland local. Rooms average $200 per night.
The Press Hotel, located in downtown Portland’s historic Press Herald building, blends industrial charm with refined design. Each room evokes a writer’s studio with vintage desks and typewriter-themed details, while UNION restaurant and the Inkwell bar showcase local flavors. It’s a stylish tribute to Portland’s creative spirit and storytelling legacy. rooms average $300 per night.
larger hotel chains like marriott and hilton, Doubletree or Hampton & Holiday Inns are also available downtown and near the airport
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 12-15 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 Portland?
You can fly into Boston (BOS) or Portland (PWM). From there, you can take a bus to Portland. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKING YOUR OWN ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION. 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.