Overview: Join floral designer and creator of Gathered: Storied Botanicals, Allison Young for a hands-on workshop that expands on foundational flower arranging skills and explores more advanced design principles, techniques, and styles. Through the creation of a larger floral arrangement, participants will deepen their understanding of the elements of design while learning how to craft work that is both structurally sound and artistically expressive. With seasonal blooms and foliage as inspiration, students will be encouraged to integrate the natural beauty of the OSGF landscape into their designs. Guided by Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon’s aesthetic, the course will invite participants to refine their practice, bringing greater balance, sophistication, and individuality to their arrangements while cultivating a floral “voice” of their own.
What will be Provided: Materials, tools, and seasonal snacks and refreshments will be provided. Guests will leave with a handsome compote and their own arrangement.
Please note: This event does not include a tour of Little Oak Spring, the Library, Formal Garden or broader landscape.
About Allison Young:
Allison B. Young is a floral designer, writer, and the creator of Gathered: Storied Botanicals. After earning her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she fell into floral design, working from assistant to designer. Her work in floristry has taken her to Charleston, South Carolina, Chicago, and the DMV area of Virginia—all with pet rabbits in tow. When she earned her MFA in creative writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Allison’s focus shifted. Through her podcast, the floral workshop, and design work, Allison aims to illuminate how flowers, story, and art weave together and create the vital fabric of our human experience.
About Oak Spring Garden Foundation: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a philanthropic foundation based at the former primary estate of the late Paul and Rachel Mellon, who were major philanthropists in the U.S. of the arts, humanities, and sciences in the second half of the twentieth century. OSGF is located in the northern Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains region (ca. one-hour drive from Washington, D.C.). Led by Sir Peter Crane, the Foundation’s inaugural President, OSGF provides workshops, short courses and supports residencies for artists and scholars. Its celebrated Library comprises rare books, manuscripts and works of art relating to horticulture, landscape design, botany and natural history. It is becoming a new center of stimulation of all things botanical, from fundamental research in plant evolution and conservation, to horticultural and plant conservation practice, to the history and art of plants, gardens and landscapes.
Photo Release Statement: By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.
Availability: This lecture will be capped at 12 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Zeffy until full.
