Congratulation to Marlene Hepner, recipient of a California State Florist Association scholarship to attend Reflections, Palm Springs.  Marlene is the oldest of four daughters.  Her parents, Peggy and Kirk Stout, taught their girls that education is powerful.  Marlene embraced this philosophy after experiencing life through Agriculture classes…

Dear AIFD Members, I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your creative and professional endeavors. As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening and modernizing the foundation of our organization, I am pleased to inform you that the AIFD National Board has…

As spring brings new energy, we’re excited to celebrate the talent and passion of our Southern Chapter members—from scholarship honors to bold Art in Bloom designs and national recognition. Read on to explore the moments that make our chapter shine. Celebrating the Southern Chapter 2025…

Written by Charlie Groppetti AIFD When a floral designer that inspired you passes away, you are often at a loss at what to do. You carry so much of their influence and inspiration within you that you want to somehow continue their legacy after they…

By Nita Robertson AIFD As the floral world turns its eyes toward Palm Springs this summer for the 2025 American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) National Symposium, a beloved tradition will once again come to life in full bloom: the Blooms Over Program. This inspiring…

By Renee Tucci AIFD PFCI AAF In early April 2025, 1,600 people came together to attend the 112th First Lady’s Lunch in Washington DC. The Congressional Club Museum and Foundation has hosted this event since its inception. Considered one of Washington’s most exciting and historic…

Theophrastus, a student of Plato and later Aristotle said, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” When an hour or two becomes available, do we make the most of it or simply watch time go by? There is a member of AIFD who…

More new terms continue to be added to “The AIFD Guide to Floral Design.” Chenille Stem: A multifunctional mechanic, generally used as a corsage stem or to bind materials together.  The stem is generally 12 inches in length and consists of slender wires spun together…

The Illinois State Florists Association celebrated its 120th year by hosting an Immersive Design Retreat at Walkers Bluff Winery in southern Illinois. Our panel of design educators included Donald Yim AIFD, Robert Koene, Kelsey Thompson AIFD, Derek Woodruff AIFD, Sarah LoBue AIFD, Doug Bates AIFD…

Blevior began its journey in 2010 when Jaclyn Haun started selling flowers in her hometown of 300 people.  As a high school student, Jaclyn did prom corsages for six different schools by the time she graduated high school. While Jaclyn pursued her Bachelors of Horticulture…