A Workshop at Jardin Du Bois
This past weekend I had an opportunity to study under three designers who I’ve admired since I began working with flowers. It was a tight squeeze-my only free weekend out of seven this spring-and I waited until the very last minute to throw caution to the wind and go for it. I could not be happier that I did. On Saturday I finished delivering a fabulously colorful wedding in downtown D.C. and then got into the van drove straight to New Jersey.
The location of the workshop, Jardin de Buis, is the stuff of your dreams. That greenhouse you imagine? The double sided one with a fountain down the middle and perfectly pleached trees? It’s there. The refurbished barn with the perfect wabi-sabi floor made of reclaimed wood beams? Yes. Did you want cobblestones that were somehow sourced from the very historical streets of Philadelphia itself? Yes and yes. So in and of itself the location is enough to make you stop and do a few silent prayers to circumstances and powers that be.
TJ McGrath and Graeme Corbett have clearly put a lot of thought into what would make an amazing day for a person who loves flowers. TJ’s dedication to local, seasonal material makes a flower farmer’s heart grow three sizes. When we got the chance to make our own pieces, both TJ and Graeme made sure to seek out each person, really take a look at what they were doing and meet them where they were. They have two completely different approaches in the way they build a design so you get the benefit of double the perspective. The room is overflowing with blooms. It made me want to do a “workshop inspired” wedding. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by vases of single varieties at their best? In fact-it reminded me of the flower crown bar I did for a bride a couple of years ago!
Max Gill’s journey to the flowers felt so much like mine. He’s the kind of person that can make you feel simultaneously in awe of and at ease. His approach was the most similar to how I work. It’s embarrassing to understand that the reason you are drawn to someone’s work is because they do what you do, just ten years better. He exuded the spirit of generosity and love in regards to the flowers that drew me to the industry in the first place. He mentioned learning from Ariella Chezar, same as Erin Benzakein. Ariella seems to have left a shockwave of generous people behind her as she taught them. There was another attendee who also knew Ariella and it was the same thing-she was sunny, open, warm…god how do I get into this tribe?!
The second day of the workshop all of the attendees as a group created an over the top foam-free installation/garden party that would make any bride swoon. I was finally won over by butterfly ranunculus and further cemented my love of blueberry branches.
They say never meet your heroes but Max, Graeme and Thomas are all heroes worth meeting. If you ever had the time and inclination to take a workshop from TJ, Graeme or Max, do not hesitate. You can check out what they are up to on Instagram @t.j.mcgrath_design, @bloomandburn, and @maxgilldesign.
