LA Good Question Where To Learn Flower Arranging?

Hi there,

Wondering if you know of any local LA places that offer flower arranging classes/events. I’ve not been able to find one in LA so far…always SF or somewhere other than here.

Thanks a bunch! Heideh

Hi Heideh, that's an excellent question and just in time for some summer parties. The only thing we found was a sort of intense class at The Huntington. None of the local Venice florists are offering classes--does anyone else know of a great place to spend an afternoon (or series of afternoons) learning to arrange flowers?

If not, we say, jump in and just start experimenting. It's hard to go wrong with flowers and you can learn a lot just from looking at pictures and trying to recreate a look. Check out Abby's posts on deconstructing a store bought bouquet here and here for more tips!

Comments (8)

The National Japanese American Museum in downtown LA offers classes on Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement, periodically. They currently have an exhibit on Ikebana as well. Here's the link:

http://www.janm.org/exhibits/livingflowers/

posted by yoyoalimo on June 16th 2008 at 10:05am
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Paula Pryke (British floral designer) has some amazing books, with techniques, for the novice and advanced alike. Here is a link to her books:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=paula pryke

Visit flower shops, study the books, and start experimenting! Classes would be great, but I learned by watching and doing. The various farmer's markets around LA are a great place to get cheap flowers. Another great place if you're near WeHo is the flower shop on Santa Monica @ Crescent Heights, Wholesale Flowers. Great selection, decent prices.

posted by tartlet on June 16th 2008 at 10:13am
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sorry, let's try the link again:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=paula pryke

posted by tartlet on June 16th 2008 at 10:14am
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There was a floral shop on Abbot Kinney that taught classes but it was expensive ( I think $130 for a class...yikes). Any referral for a class that is affordable and informative would be great!

posted by Seaside on June 16th 2008 at 10:16am
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Try your city's (try neighborning cities, too) park and recreation department. I've seen flower arranging classes offered by the Cities of Long Beach and Lakewood.

posted by geogneiss on June 16th 2008 at 11:40am
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Check out City Colleges also, under non-credit classes.

posted by danze on June 16th 2008 at 11:47am
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Check out community college adult courses, Beverly Hills High School adult courses, Learning Annex. A Google search of flower arranging classes Los Angeles turned up a few things, including activities at Flower Duet.

posted by Tammy Blue on June 16th 2008 at 12:08pm
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Descanso Gardens hosts a class given by Mount San Antonio's horticulture department. It's on a school calendar basis (fall and winter), community college prices, and for credit. Call Descanso Gardens, it's a lovely place to take a class.

posted by umithepumi on June 16th 2008 at 1:24pm
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