Advanced Floral Design Workshop with TJ McGrath & Mermaid City Flowers
August 24–25, 2026 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Harmony Harvest Farm
201 Little Run Road, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Let's be honest: everything is more expensive these days, and connecting the joy of flowers with the coins in our pockets has become harder than ever.
That's why "doing more with less" is the cornerstone of this workshop. As we welcome TJ McGrath back to the farm, we're excited to explore not just how to make beautiful things, but how better design, smarter mechanics, and more intentional techniques can help you get more from every stem.
We'll also be joined by Dee Hall of Mermaid City Flowers, who will share her approach to creating impactful everyday arrangements with native flowers, proving that sometimes the best design opportunities are growing right outside your door.
Join us for two days of smarter mechanics, more intentional design, creative problem-solving, very tasty food, and figuring out how to deliver champagne-level flowers on decidedly-not-champagne budgets.
Ticket Options
Choose the option that fits your schedule:
• August 24–25 | Two-Day Floral Design Intensive
• August 25 | Everyday Design + Installation with Dee & TJ
• August 24 | Advanced Table Design with TJ McGrath
Pricing:
• **LIMITED AVAILABILITY** Early Bird: Save $75 on one or both days with coupon code EARLYBIRD26. Only 10 Early Bird tickets available!!
• Automatically save $150 when you join us for both days.
Spots are limited to 25 participants to keep the workshop hands-on and personal.
Day One | August 24
Advanced Table Design with TJ McGrath
Day one focuses on refined centerpiece work and thoughtful table styling using abundant, seasonal flowers.
Together, we’ll create a low and lush English garden–inspired centerpiece while exploring mechanics and techniques that allow designers to stretch their flower budget while elevating their event work.
Whether you’re designing for weddings, events, or your own table at home, this workshop will help sharpen your eye and refine your mechanics.
What You’ll Learn
Low & Lush English Garden Centerpiece Design
• Building layered, abundant centerpieces using seasonal flowers
• Creating movement and natural shape
• Designing for dining tables without blocking conversation
Mechanics with Floral Genius Flower Frogs
• Live pin cup design demo from TJ McGrath
• Working with flower frogs for stable, reusable mechanics
• Foam-free, sustainable design techniques
Table Styling & Budget Stretching
• Hands-on styling practice using pin cups and candle ring vases
• Learning how to vary heights and focal points
• Creating cohesive yet unique tablescapes
• Practical techniques to make your event flowers go further
Day Two | August 25
Everyday Arrangement Design & Installation Work
Day two moves from daily arrangements into large-scale floral thinking.
Led by Dee of Mermaid City Flowers, we’ll explore everyday designs built around native and seasonal flowers. Then, TJ McGrath will walk through the mechanics and structural considerations behind installation work.
This day is about versatility and strengthening your design foundation while expanding into larger, more ambitious floral pieces.
What We’ll Cover
Everyday Arrangement Design with Dee
• Designing refined, sellable daily arrangements
• Working with native and seasonal flowers
• Balancing shape, proportion, and negative space
• Developing signature style using local product
Installation Demo with TJ McGrath
• Mechanics behind large-scale floral pieces
• Structural considerations and stability
• Translating centerpiece skills into impactful installations
Day One Optional Farm Tour | 9:30–11:30 am
Arrive early and join Jessica Hall for a guided tour of Harmony Harvest Farm.
Walk the fields, see what’s in season, and get an inside look at how our flowers move from soil to centerpiece.
What’s Included
• Instruction from TJ McGrath and/or Dee of Mermaid City Flowers
• Hands-on floral design with locally grown flowers
• Installation design demonstration (Day Two)
• All flowers and design materials
• Seasonal lunch + refreshments
• Open Q&A with the instructors
• Optional farm tour
Important Details
This workshop will take place at our working flower farm, and much of the day will be spent outdoors. Please dress accordingly for summer weather and farm conditions.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Important Checkout Details
Please select STORE PICKUP at checkout to complete your purchase.
Traveling from out of town?
Visit our Visit the Valley page for our favorite places to stay, eat, and explore in the Shenandoah Valley.
