Submitted by David Yacaginsky, CFD
As the old saying goes, “there’s a first time for everything…” To say that this was my first time attending the Philadelphia Flower Show couldn’t be any farther from the truth! In fact, as a floral designer for the majority of my adult life, I have been attending the show not as a participant, but as a spectator with family and friends; in complete awe of the amazing displays and artistry demonstrated by the thousands of florist that have paved the way!
Much like the Philadelphia Flower Show, my career as a floral designer has been a progression over time. As I began my career, I learned the elements and principles of design over several decades working in the industry with many talented colleagues. It was from these experiences that I grew and evolved, both as a floral designer as well as a businessman. In 2001, I was presented with the opportunity to own my own shop – Woodfern Florist – at 501 Chenango Street in Binghamton, New York. As one of the longest standing, in-demand shops in the area, I knew that the reputation of the store preceded me, and it was my goal and responsibility to not only continue to provide the excellent customer service and quality product our loyal customers have grown to know and expect over the 45 years Woodfern has been in business, but to also grow our business and client base by offering exquisite floral products and avant-garde design!! Always striving to be the best flower shop in around, I knew becoming AIFD® certified would elevate my career and thus prove the credibility and value of my work.
In terms of education, AIFD® has always been the gold standard for floral design. The past year has been nothing but a whirlwind for myself professionally: in July 2022, I started my accreditation journey at PFDE® in Las Vegas, displaying my talents and receiving CFD accreditation. The scores I received allow me to go to Chicago to be inducted and gain the coveted AIFD® credential as a floral artist this July. Out of this experience, I was asked to not only participate this year with the AIFD® Northeast Region, but also to be able to create my own piece as part of the display! I never imagined this was possible, and was extremely honored, humbled, and excited to be a part of this fantastic organization and show!
My lead designer, Kimberli Schwartz CFD, was also invited to attend and create at the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, themed “Garden Electric.” I was confident collaborating with Kimberli on our first design for a show with AIFD, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect memory. We were given some initial concepts and guidelines to create my piece that would be part of a collective installation. We were asked to design based on a monochromatic and mono-botanical theme.
Assigned the color turquoise, we selected the protea family based off of my knowledge of its ability to withstand being color altered, long-lasting, having several varieties, and its unique textures. The many physical features of the protea allow the flower to project varying shades of turquoise within itself, but also provided us the opportunity to use other shades of the color on it as well, to reach the desired effects. The color turquoise – waters of the Caribbean – is known for evoking a cool calmness and clarity, and that’s why we used glass vases – both transparent and translucent styles.
I began sketching and envisioned a large round solid mass of protea suspended above a pool of calming, peaceful still blue water, represented with blue tumbled glass gems in an ombre effect on the table. After several hours, many cans of floral spray, and a variety of colorful words uttered, it was then that I realized making my design come to life would be a task in itself! I was finally able to achieve the depth of color I was hoping for with the king protea.
We also chose to use pincushion protea to provide yet another size and texture within my piece.
Atop the design you will encounter a variety of feathers and plumes, dancing atop, giving a boost of positive mental energy! Additionally, to create movement, we deconstructed leucadendron and reassembled the petals in sequence, and further painted in a gradation, to create a visual waterfall effect that cleared a path to the bottom of the piece. A final facet of design included crystals cascading, which symbolizes emotions and evokes spiritual growth through their healing energies.
My experience leading up to the show was welcoming. I first met Ron Mulray AIFD and Renee Tucci AIFD while attending a PFDE® mock test in Pennsylvania. Little did I know, in just under a year I would be assisting them! Heather Towne AIFD, who was coordinating the teams, did a wonderful job at organizing all that was needed for us to be successful. I felt there was the right amount of communication. Everyone worked seamlessly on what would be unifying elements amongst the individual designs.
Protea are very heavy. I wanted to make sure, while constructing our design, that the integrity of the structure would hold up for the length of the show. There is nothing more embarrassing than a design falling apart, so I took extra time on strong mechanics and detail. Those fundamentals are naturally in the back of my mind and also farther back in my mind was how much time I didn’t have left! I wasn’t nervous but I still ask myself who’s idea was it to deconstruct a perfectly fine flower and reconstruct it, piece by piece, with cold glue in lengths of a yard, by the dozens of strands? …An overzealous owner, that’s who! Thankfully, extra team hands were ready to come to the rescue! Truly, everyone was helpful and supportive.
I really enjoyed seeing designers working and learning from each other while they were creating with the color and flower they were given. Often, I am busy fulfilling retail orders and owner duties at my store and that leaves little room to think outside the box and really get creative. Working on this project with other AIFD® members, CFD designers, and student volunteers reinvigorated my excitement for the Symposium in Chicago. As newly awarded CFDs, we were building meaningful social connections. Kim and I had great conversations at our team dinner regarding continued education and certification, leaving us looking forward to future comradery.
It was a bit emotional for me as I was able to walk the show as an actual contributor. I got to see hundreds of thousands of people viewing and reacting to our work I noticed the attendees could enjoy the layout and gallery style of our display being able to stop and appreciate the talent and detail of each group’s contribution. I personally resonated with the overall concept that each team’s piece was like a museum work of art. In upstate New York, my family, staff, business partners, and community members were so excited and proud that I was able to create with an elite group of artists at one of the most historic and well respected international floral and landscape exhibits. I was able to share some great pictures through social media, and received an overwhelming response of praise and excitement from clients and friends. The PFS is a fantastic showcase of innovate talent and continues even more to inspire! I am grateful to say that I was a part of the AIFD® North East Regions Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit entry that was awarded a bronze medal. Everyone was so kind and encouraging, and I sincerely look forward to working on future projects with the leadership of AIFD®.
