Texas A & M University - Benz School of Floral Design
Texas A & M University - Benz School of Floral Design
Department of Horticultural Sciences
202 Horticulture Forest Sciences Bldg.• 2133 TAMU • College Station, TX 77843-2133
Phone (979) 845-5269
The Basic Class
M. "Buddy" Benz believed that the principles of good design were timeless and constant. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or a shop owner updating your skills, our program is based on a solid foundation of classic principles. But you also will study the latest techniques and trends that keep good designs fresh. Because the program is one part lecture and two parts participation, our students have ample opportunity to practice the principles of design and color. One advantage of the Benz School is that you will create each design that is studied, using an impressive array of fresh flowers and foliage.
Because classes are limited to small numbers, Jim and Bill are able to provide you with personal supervision at all times. Our students learn about every aspect of the florist business, including corsages, sympathy tributes, decorative treatment of potted plants, European dish gardens, all styles of geometric design, wedding flowers, and decorations for receptions and parties.
Floral Arrangement
You will study step-by-step production methods and participate in hands-on training to make practical designs for home, hospital, church, and business. Design and mechanics are explained in detail--from the simplest to the more elaborate and for special occasions of all kinds.
Color Harmony
Although study of this principle is included throughout the program, a special lecture is devoted to the topic as it applies to floral design.
Living Jewelry (corsages)
Students make fashionable corsage designs of glamellias, orchids, roses, and many other flowers, using the latest ideas for formal and casual occasions. The practical aspects of styling--whether shoulder or coiffure design, wristlet, or boutonniere--are studied in relation to taste, appropriate design, and profit.
Wedding Design
Our students become proficient as bridal specialists. Instructions include servicing and conducting a wedding, as well as etiquette and procedure. Lecture and participation focus on detailed methods of constructing all types of bridal bouquets, with emphasis on contemporary styling and fresh flowers.
Sympathy Tributes
This important phase of the florist industry receives careful instruction at the Benz School. You will learn the basics in preparing funeral designs efficiently yet beautifully, from the inexpensive to the more costly. Detailed directions are demonstrated in the construction of each type of floral tribute: easel and casket sprays (picked and tied), wreaths, and fraternal and conventional emblems.
Potted Plant Trims
Our students receive instruction in various methods of display and mechanics of pot dressing to accent a plant's beauty. Contemporary trends, new materials, and recent techniques are accented in creating memorable designs.
European Dish Gardens
In this popular exercise, you will transplant flowering and foliage plants into a contemporary dish garden and use natural accessories to embellish the design form.
Shop Management
The successful operation of a florist shop often depends as much on management as on the talent of the floral designer. At the Benz School, you will learn about profitable buying and selling, percentage mark-up, salesmanship, and other vital management necessities. Much attention is devoted to ensuring greater profit as well as increased customer satisfaction. In addition to these and other designs, our students study an array of business-related topics: care and handling of plants and flowers, advertising and selling, shop display, and employee relations. You will take home a personal copy of The Shopkeeper, a copyrighted manual on shop operations compiled by Jim and Bill.
2009 Schedule for Basic Design ( two-week classes)
May 18 - 29, 2009
June 8 - 19, 2009
August 10 - 21, 2009
Classes meet Monday through friday, 9 - 5, in Room 108 (Floral Design Studio), Horticulture / Forest Science Building at Texas A & M University.
Fees
Tuition is $975.00 which includes a $275.00 deposit required at the time of application for the Basic design class and $475.00 which includea a $175.00 deposit for each Advanced class. The deposit will be refunded if cancellation notice is received three business days before the start of classes.
Parking, Transit, & Traffic Department assesses each visitor or conference goer $10.00 a day parking charges. If you choose to park on campus you must have your parking permit issued to you the first day of class. For those attending the two week class the charges are $50.00/week for a total of $100.00; and those who are enrolling in the 3 day classes (Saturday, Sunday, & Monday), your fee is $10.00 since there are no weekend charges. Please be prepared to pay the first day of class.
The Benz School of Floral Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, the agency that provides accreditation for Texas A&M University. The school also is approved by the National Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
If you would like an application for the two week floral design program or have any questions regarding the Benz School, please contact Ann at 979-845-1699 or email a-boney@tamu.edu. If you would like to have our class brochure mailed to yoou, please include your "snail" mail address with your email.
2009 Schedule for Specialty Classes (three day classes)
Wedding Design March 7, 8, & 9, 2009
Contemporary Design June 20, 21 22, 2009
Christmas Design August 22, 23, & 24, 2009
The Specialty Classes meet Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 9 - 5, in Room 108 (Floral design Studio) Horticulture / Forest Science Building at Texas A & M University.
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