Floral Design Certificate
To satisfy the requirements for the Mercer County Community College Center for Continuing Studies Floral Design Certificate, students must:
Whether you are an aspiring floral designer who is looking to start your career, considering making advancements in your profession, or looking to open your own business, enrolling in our certificate program is the ideal pathway. You will train with an industry expert while refining your skills for employment opportunities or business ownership.
To ensure enough resources, no one will be registered beyond seven days prior to class.
Prerequisite Class: Basic Floral Design (offered every semester)
Do you love flowers and have always wanted to learn how to create amazing floral arrangements? Discover the art of floral arrangement in this Basic Floral Design Class, perfect for beginners and flower enthusiasts alike! This hands-on workshop introduces fundamental techniques for creating beautiful, balanced floral compositions. Whether you're looking to design arrangements for your home, gifts, or special events, this class will provide you with the skills and confidence to work with fresh flowers. During this introductory class, we will discuss an overview of the Principles and Elements of Floral Design. Using industry standard techniques, you will learn how to choose flowers and what to look for, process flowers, design two floral arrangements: one in a vase and another in floral foam. The skills taught in this class are the foundations for all the elective floral design courses. Come join us and immerse yourself in the beauty of floral design!
Cost: $225
Celebrate the season of love with flowers! In this festive Valentine’s Day Floral Design Workshop, students will create romantic, heartwarming arrangements perfect for gifting or decorating their own space. Participants will work with seasonal blooms in classic Valentine’s palettes—think lush reds, soft pinks, and elegant whites; learn professional techniques for arranging a dozen roses in a vase and a romantic centerpiece; gain tips on flower care to keep arrangements fresh throughout the holiday. Whether you’re designing for loved ones or clients or simply indulging in a creative experience, this class is a fun and inspiring way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Cost: $225
Want to turn your hobby into a profit-making entrepreneurship? This class will discuss starting your own business, buying techniques, creating floral recipes, pricing strategies, delivery and set up fees, marketing, and contracts. Taught by a Certified Floral Designer who started her thriving business as a side hustle.
Cost: $225
Step into the season of renewal and color with our Spring Fling flower arranging class! This workshop is all about embracing the playful energy of spring and creating vibrant floral arrangements that capture the essence of the season.
Participants will work with an array of cheerful spring flowers paired with fresh greenery and learn tips for arranging flowers to highlight their natural beauty and create lively, free-spirited designs. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home, celebrate with friends, or simply revel in the beauty of springtime blooms, this class is sure to bring joy and creativity to your day. Leave with a gorgeous arrangement and a heart full of springtime cheer!
Cost: $225
A compote floral design is an elegant and romantic arrangement style that utilizes a footed bowl or pedestal vase as its base. This design is known for its lush, organic, and flowing aesthetic, often resembling the natural movement of garden-grown flowers.
Loose, Airy Structure: compote designs emphasize movement and negative space, allowing blooms and foliage to spill gracefully over the edges.
Diverse Flower Selection: A mix of large focal flowers (such as garden roses, peonies, or dahlias), delicate accent blooms (like ranunculus, sweet peas, or lisianthus), and wispy filler elements (such as Queen Anne’s lace or astilbe) create depth and visual interest.
Textural Greenery: A variety of foliage—such as trailing ivy, seeded eucalyptus, or ferns—adds dimension and a natural feel, often cascading over the edge of the compote for a soft, effortless look.
Support Mechanics: Since compotes have a wide, shallow bowl, florists often use a floral frog, chicken wire, or a floral foam-free armature to provide structure and support for the stems.
Seasonal & Color Harmony: Compote designs often reflect seasonal blooms and color palettes, making them versatile for weddings, events, or home décor. Soft pastels create a romantic feel, while bold jewel tones add drama and depth.
Asymmetry & Movement: These arrangements embrace a dynamic silhouette, often featuring taller blooms or branches extending outward to create an organic, garden-inspired shape.
Cost: $225
The tropical regions of the world offer some of the most unique and beautiful flowers for design use. Using a triangular geometric form, learn how to work with these vibrant tropical flowers. Bold, vibrant, and exotic tropical floral arrangements are perfect for summer vibes. Get ready to dive into the lush and colorful world of tropical floral design! In this hands-on class, you will learn how to create striking, summer-ready arrangements using vibrant tropical flowers and foliage. The introduction will include the characteristics of tropical floral arrangements and the importance of bold colors, dramatic textures, and lush greenery. Choosing the right flowers and foliage for tropical arrangements and preparing the flowers for longevity with proper hydration and stem care techniques as well as how to maintain tropical arrangements in summer heat will be emphasized. Evaluating shape, symmetry, and color balance will allow for finishing touches and an evaluation by the instructor.
Cost $225
Celebrate the beauty of nature’s untamed elegance in this Organic & Wildflower Floral Design Class. This class focuses on creating arrangements that feel effortless, airy, and natural—capturing the charm of meadows, gardens, and woodland landscapes. Participants will learn how to choose seasonal blooms, greenery, and textural elements that evoke a wild, gathered aesthetic; explore techniques for achieving loose, asymmetrical compositions that highlight natural shapes and movement; experiment with layering, color harmonies, and negative space to create arrangements with depth and character. This is perfect for those who love a romantic, garden-inspired style or want to bring a touch of nature indoors.
Cost $225
Flowers make the perfect accent for your special event or photoshoot and can help build upon your theme from romantic to whimsical. In this class, you will explore several different industry standard construction techniques, including wiring and taping and gluing, to design these hand-crafted florals.
Cost $225
Discover the art and structure behind armature-based floral designs, where architecture meets creativity. In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to build and incorporate man-made and natural decorative and supportive frameworks (armatures) to elevate their floral arrangements. Participants will learn techniques for constructing strong yet elegant frameworks; design arrangements that highlight negative space, texture, and dimension; practice integrating flowers seamlessly into their armatures for both contemporary and artistic styles.
This class is perfect for floral designers looking to push beyond traditional arrangements and add structure, drama, and originality to their work. The beautiful flowers in your design may fade, but the armature can be used again and again.
Cost: $225
Master the fundamentals of horizontal and vertical floral arrangements—two classic styles that create balance, structure, and impact in floral design. In this hands-on workshop, students will explore how line, proportion, and focal placement work together to achieve elegant compositions. Participants will learn the principles and techniques for creating horizontal centerpieces, perfect for tablescapes and events; practice vertical arrangements that emphasize height and movement, ideal for entryways, altars, or statement pieces; understand how to select and position flowers to maintain balance, flow, and visual harmony. By the end of the class, students will have created two distinct designs and gained the confidence to adapt these forms for both everyday and special-occasion arrangements.
Cost: $225
Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of designing captivating floral tablescapes. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or seeking to elevate your everyday dining experience, this class will provide you with the skills and inspiration to create stunning table settings.
What You'll Learn:
Cost $225
Inspired by the crescent shape of the moon and the elegant curves of the female body, these florals are very creative artistic designs. The class will begin with the history and inspiration behind the design and the origins of the Hogarth Curve, inspired by 18th-century artist William Hogarth’s "Line of Beauty." How this S-curve creates elegance, movement, and flow in floral arrangements will be reviewed. High-end events, formal settings, and artistic floral displays are great settings for this elegant design. Establishing balance with a sturdy container and initial floral placements are the foundation followed by shaping the S-curve by layering flowers and greenery to define the curve’s movement. Placing flowers strategically to draw the eye along the curve is essential along with negative space for an airy, elegant feel. Final touches including adding texture, contrast, and depth with secondary flowers and elements.
Cost: $225
*Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design
*Floral Art classes do not need to be taken in order. You may pick and choose which classes you want to enroll in.
Floral Design Class: Exploring Armature-Based Arrangements and Corsages, Boutonnieres, and Hair Florals
Unlock your creativity and elevate your floral design skills with this exciting class focused on armature-based floral arrangements and bouquets. Armatures, the structural frameworks for holding flowers and foliage in place, allow for intricate, artistic designs that defy traditional floral arrangement techniques. Enhance your floral design skills by mastering the art of creating elegant corsages, boutonnieres, and hair florals—perfect for weddings, proms, and special events. This hands-on class will guide you through the techniques and tools needed to craft small yet impactful floral pieces that beautifully complement your clients' or loved ones' special moments.
In this class, you’ll learn:
Whether you're a seasoned florist or just beginning your floral design journey, this workshop is for anyone who wants to learn the latest styles, or anyone looking to add a personal touch to their floral creations.
Cost: $450
*Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design
A bride’s day is not complete without her stunning floral bouquet; after all, it is at the center of most of the photos! Using two different techniques (bouquet foam holder and chicken wire hand tied), learn how to create two cascading floral bouquets. In addition, this hands-on workshop teaches participants the art of creating stunning hand-tied bouquets, a fundamental skill in floral design. Students will learn the spiral stem technique for a well-balanced bouquet, proper stem placement to create shape and movement, layering focal flowers, fillers, and greenery for depth. Inspired by European floral design, this elegant floral form is designed to enhance the romantic silhouette of the ladies in the bridal party and other formal events, adjusting bouquet size as needed. Whether for personal enjoyment or professional use, attendees will learn essential techniques for crafting balanced, elegant bouquets using fresh flowers and foliage. Each participant will create three bouquets with one-on-one guidance and feedback from the instructor.
Cost $450
*Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design
Transforming Tables with Floral Art. Elevate your event decor with the art of creating stunning centerpieces and tablescapes that captivate and inspire. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to craft beautiful table arrangements, whether for intimate gatherings, elegant weddings, or grand celebrations. We will create both low and elevated designs.
In this interactive session, you’ll learn to:
Whether you're a professional florist, floral enthusiast, a DIY bride, or an event planner, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to transform any table into a masterpiece. Join us to make floral magic and leave with centerpiece designs that will make every table unforgettable!
Cost $450
This is a specialized workshop that teaches participants how to create elegant and heartfelt floral tributes for memorial services, funerals, and sympathy gestures. Students will understand the significance of different flower types, colors, and arrangements in expressing condolences. Traditional and modern funeral flower styles, as well as understanding how to adapt designs to suit personal requests and religious or cultural traditions will be discussed. Adding personal touches such as ribbons, keepsakes, or written messages and creating floral tributes that reflect the personality and memories of the deceased are essential for the modern florist. This class provides an opportunity to learn a delicate and meaningful craft while developing the skills to create beautiful, respectful floral tributes. Students will learn how to design an easel spray and urn wreath to serve as wonderful tributes to a loved one.
Cost: $225
This hands-on workshop teaches participants the art of creating stunning hand-tied bouquets, a fundamental skill in floral design. Whether for personal enjoyment or professional use, attendees will learn essential techniques for crafting balanced, elegant arrangements using fresh flowers and foliage. Students will learn the spiral stem technique for a well-balanced bouquet, proper stem placement to create shape and movement, layering focal flowers, fillers, and greenery for depth. Each participant will create a hand-tied bouquet with one-on-one guidance and feedback from the instructor. Inspired by European floral design, this elegant floral form is designed to enhance the romantic silhouette of the ladies in the bridal party and other formal events, adjusting bouquet size and shape for different occasions. This workshop provides a fun and interactive way to explore floral artistry while mastering a classic bouquet technique.
Cost: $225
Celebrate the restorative and calming power of flowers in this unique flower arranging class designed to nurture your creativity and well-being. Learn how to select blooms and greenery that evoke positive emotions, balance energy, and create harmony. Participants will:
This class combines the beauty of florals with guided meditations, reflections, and insights into how nature can restore balance to our minds and hearts. No prior experience is needed—just bring an open mind and a love for flowers!
Perfect for individuals, small groups, or team-building events. Leave with a gorgeous arrangement and a renewed sense of peace.
Cost: $225
Learn the essentials of soil health, garden planning, and plant selection to create a thriving home garden. Whether you’re growing in containers or a backyard plot, this session sets the stage for success.
Instructor: Amy Ricco
Cost:$30
Stop pests in their tracks! Discover natural, organic, and integrated pest management strategies to keep your plants healthy and productive—without harmful chemicals.
Instructor: Amy Ricco
Cost: $3
Boost your garden’s productivity by creating a pollinator-friendly space. Learn about native plants, companion planting, and simple ways to support essential pollinators.
Cost: $30
Celebrate the fruits of your labor! Discover easy, delicious recipes, preservation methods, and creative ways to use your homegrown produce.
Cost: $30
Professor Amy Ricco holds an Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture Production from the State University of New York at Morrisville, a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Agricultural Education—both from Cornell University. Upon completing her graduate studies, she joined Mercer, where she has remained a steadfast leader in horticultural education. Her teaching excellence has been recognized with Mercer’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and her deep community engagement earned her the Community Service Award. Professor Ricco has specialized expertise in entomology and integrated pest management.
Professor Ricco has also been instrumental in Mercer’s longstanding participation in the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show. Under her co-leadership, students have earned national acclaim with four gold medals, four silver medals, one bronze medal, and numerous special awards over the past decade.
Step into a world of blooming beauty as you discover the art and movement of a naturally styled hand-tied bouquet inspired by the romance of an enchanted garden. In this immersive workshop, you will learn how to create a lush spiral bouquet using seasonal blooms, delicate greenery, and flowing textures that capture an effortless, ethereal elegance. Together, we will explore the magic of flower selection, harmonious color palettes, and graceful stem placement to create movement and softness within each design. You’ll also learn professional techniques for conditioning blooms, constructing a balanced bouquet, and finishing your arrangement with elegant wrapping so your creation remains fresh, abundant, and beautifully enchanting!
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Enter a world of autumn magic where florals take on a darkly whimsical charm inspired by the spirit of Halloween. In this creative workshop, you’ll design an enchanting arrangement filled with dramatic blooms, twisting textures, woodland elements, and touches of seasonal mystery. Moody tones, glowing harvest colors, and unexpected accents will come together to create a centerpiece that feels straight out of a storybook spell. Along the way, you’ll learn techniques for creating shape, movement, and depth while working with seasonal flowers and foliage to craft a design that is both captivating and unforgettable.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Celebrate the magic of the harvest season as pumpkins and gourds are transformed into enchanting floral centerpieces overflowing with autumn beauty. In this whimsical workshop, you’ll create a lush seasonal design filled with rich fall blooms, flowing greenery, and nature-inspired textures that capture the cozy spirit of crisp autumn days and candlelit gatherings. Learn the art of designing with unconventional vessels while exploring techniques for layering florals, creating organic movement, and building a beautifully balanced arrangement full of warmth and charm. Tips for conditioning flowers and preserving the freshness of your magical autumn creation throughout the season will also be shared.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Create a festive holiday centerpiece inspired by the warmth and elegance of the winter season. Using fresh evergreens, seasonal blooms, candles, pinecones, and natural holiday accents, you will design a centerpiece that captures the magic of Christmas gatherings. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn techniques for creating balance, layering textures, and incorporating movement into holiday floral designs. Tips for working with winter greenery and maintaining freshness throughout the holiday season will also be covered.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Rustic charm meets creative floral styling in this delightful mason jar workshop. Using a compact, rounded design form, learn how to arrange fresh seasonal blooms inside a classic mason jar for a look that is both timeless and versatile. Perfect for home décor, gifts, or casual gatherings, mason jar arrangements bring warmth and simplicity to any space. In this hands-on class, you will learn the fundamentals of balance and proportion while working with a mix of focal, filler, and greenery elements. The introduction will cover selecting the right flowers for small-scale arrangements, processing techniques, and securing blooms to create fullness and stability within a glass container. Attention will be given to color harmony, texture contrast, and achieving a polished, professional finish.
Cost: $100
Offered Summer
Capture the breezy beauty of the shoreline with a light and airy coastal-inspired floral design. Learn how to create arrangements that reflect the relaxed elegance of summer by the sea using soft color palettes, flowing textures, and natural elements come together to evoke sandy beaches and ocean waves. In this interactive workshop, you will explore the characteristics of coastal floral design, including the use of delicate blooms, lush greenery, and subtle accent materials. Emphasis will be placed on selecting summer-friendly flowers, conditioning stems for warm weather, and creating movement through thoughtful placement and spacing. Techniques for maintaining freshness during the heat of summer will also be discussed.
Cost: $100
Offered Summer
Celebrate abundance and charm with a blooming basket arrangement full of seasonal beauty. Learn how to create a lush floral display nestled within a decorative basket. Blooming baskets are perfect for celebrations, gifts, or brightening any room with garden-inspired elegance. In this hands-on class, you will focus on layering focal flowers, complementary blooms, and textural greenery to achieve depth and fullness. Careful attention to shape, color balance, and proportion will guide you through the finishing touches, concluding with a review and helpful care tips from the instructor
Cost: $100
Offered Summer
Step into a world of blooming beauty as you discover the art and movement of a naturally styled hand-tied bouquet inspired by the romance of an enchanted garden. In this immersive workshop, you will learn how to create a lush spiral bouquet using seasonal blooms, delicate greenery, and flowing textures that capture an effortless, ethereal elegance. Together, we will explore the magic of flower selection, harmonious color palettes, and graceful stem placement to create movement and softness within each design. You’ll also learn professional techniques for conditioning blooms, constructing a balanced bouquet, and finishing your arrangement with elegant wrapping so your creation remains fresh, abundant, and beautifully enchanting.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Celebrate the warmth and vibrancy of late summer with a cheerful sunflower arrangement inspired by sunny fields and rustic garden beauty. Using bright sunflowers, seasonal companion blooms, flowing greenery, and natural textures, you will create a lively floral design full of movement and color. This interactive workshop will explore floral balance, texture combinations, and techniques for creating airy, natural-style arrangements. Proper flower conditioning and care methods for keeping blooms fresh during warmer weather will also be discussed.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Enter a world of autumn magic where florals take on a darkly whimsical charm inspired by the spirit of Halloween. In this creative workshop, you’ll design an enchanting arrangement filled with dramatic blooms, twisting textures, woodland elements, and touches of seasonal mystery. Moody tones, glowing harvest colors, and unexpected accents will come together to create a centerpiece that feels straight out of a storybook spell. Along the way, you’ll learn techniques for creating shape, movement, and depth while working with seasonal flowers and foliage to craft a design that is both captivating and unforgettable.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Celebrate the magic of the harvest season as pumpkins and gourds are transformed into enchanting floral centerpieces overflowing with autumn beauty. In this whimsical workshop, you’ll create a lush seasonal design filled with rich fall blooms, flowing greenery, and nature-inspired textures that capture the cozy spirit of crisp autumn days and candlelit gatherings. Learn the art of designing with unconventional vessels while exploring techniques for layering florals, creating organic movement, and building a beautifully balanced arrangement full of warmth and charm. Tips for conditioning flowers and preserving the freshness of your magical autumn creation throughout the season will also be shared.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
Create a festive holiday centerpiece inspired by the warmth and elegance of the winter season. Using fresh evergreens, seasonal blooms, candles, pinecones, and natural holiday accents, you will design a centerpiece that captures the magic of Christmas gatherings. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn techniques for creating balance, layering textures, and incorporating movement into holiday floral designs. Tips for working with winter greenery and maintaining freshness throughout the holiday season will also be covered.
Cost: $100
Offered Fall
= Certificate, Credential, Credential Prep
ATTENTION
Registration may close up to seven (7) days before the class start date.
To register: Call 609-570-3311 or email noncreditReg@mccc.edu.
To avoid unnecessary purchases, please wait until seven (7) days before your class start date to purchase textbooks. We recommend purchasing from a retailer that offers refunds, as classes are subject to change or cancellation.
Please monitor your email through the day your class begins for updates, changes, or notifications regarding your class. For additional information, please refer to our About page.
Note for Health Professions Classes Only...
Registration does not guarantee that a course will run. Please wait for official course confirmation before completing medical clearances, background checks, purchasing scrubs, or making any other required purchases. No refunds will be provided for purchases or expenses incurred prior to course confirmation.