Floral Design Series~ RETAIL
A Practical Introduction to Sustainable Floral Design WITH POPPY & FERN
The Floral Design Series is a hands-on introduction to the art and craft of sustainable floral design, delivered by Poppy & Fern at The Farm in Byron Bay.
Designed as a pathway into retail floristry, this 10-week course builds the foundational skills, knowledge and confidence needed to begin working with flowers in a professional environment, grounded in Poppy & Fern’s farm-to-vase, sustainability-led approach.
Led by Jess Connor, Founder and Creative Director of Poppy & Fern, the program offers students the opportunity to learn directly from one of Australia’s leading farmer florists, gaining real-world insight into the craft, rhythm and realities of working with flowers.
What You’ll Learn
The fundamentals of flower harvesting, conditioning and care to maximise vase life
How to plan and design with seasonality, working with nature rather than against it
The foundations of colour, texture and developing your own design aesthetic
Skills to create hand-tied bouquets for retail and everyday use
Foam-free mechanics and sustainable design techniques
How to communicate with customers and navigate the realities of retail floristry
Pricing your work and responding to specific floral briefs
An introduction to different floristry business models and career pathways
The principles of sustainable floristry and how to communicate these values to customers
How to work with local growers and wholesalers
Each session combines clear instruction with hands-on making, allowing skills to build naturally week by week.
What Makes This Program Special
Poppy & Fern is leading the way in sustainable floristry in Australia, growing their own flowers and working closely with local growers.
As a long-standing tenant at The Farm, Poppy & Fern operates directly from the land, giving students rare access to the full floral process, from field to finished design. Weekly walks through the flower fields and hands-on harvesting provide a deeper understanding of seasonality, sourcing and sustainability that can’t be replicated in a studio-only setting.
Who This Program Is For
This program is for anyone curious about working with flowers but unsure where to begin.
Whether you’re a flower lover seeking a creative outlet, considering a career change, or wanting to explore sustainable retail floristry, this course provides a supportive and practical starting point. No prior experience is required.
Course Details
Duration
10 sessions over 10 weeks
Schedule
Every Thursday
9:30am – 3:00pm
Plus one early-morning Brisbane Flower Market excursion
Location
Poppy & Fern at The Farm, Byron Bay
Classes are intentionally small and intimate, allowing for personalised guidance, confidence-building and plenty of one-on-one time with Jess.
Investment
Early Bird Investment: $2,400
(Available until 15 January 2026)
Standard Investment: $2,640
(10% increase applies after 15 January 2026)
Payment plans available.
Course Inclusions
Apron, notebook, floral sundries and starter toolkit
Comprehensive 10-week curriculum covering sustainable floristry fundamentals
Weekly access to Poppy & Fern’s flower fields, including harvesting
Group excursion to Brisbane Flower Market, with visits to wholesalers and neighbouring flower farms
Guidance on foraging and local sourcing
Abundant florals, foliage and botanicals to design with and take home each week
10% discount on future Poppy & Fern courses and workshops
Access to the private Poppy & Fern student community
What to Bring on Day One
Comfortable, casual clothing
Closed-in shoes suitable for farm conditions
Pens and a notebook
An open mind and willingness to learn
Lunch is not included. We’ll break for lunch. Bring your own or purchase a quick bite from Three Blue Ducks on site.