Benz School of Floral Design

Basic Design Class

The Basic Design Class is a two-week curriculum that is designed for both beginning floral students as well as professional florists.  There are no prerequisites or degrees required to attend the Basic Design class. This course qualifies for 8.0 Texas A&M University CEUs (80 hours).

Our small class size allows our instructors 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.

Upon completion of this 80 hour class, students receive a Certificate of Completion bearing the names of the Benz School and Texas A&M University. Former students have often said that the Benz School diploma is their best recommendation. Advanced courses are available for persons who have completed the Basic Design program.

Upon request, Texas A&M University will furnish a transcript of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned through class at the Benz School. The CEU is recognized by employers, associations and organizations across the nation. 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 Benz School also is approved by the National Vocational Rehabilitation Act, which makes financial benefits available to students who qualify.

Major curriculum topics

  • Floral Arrangements: detailed explanations of design and mechanics, step-by-step production methods, hands-on training to make practical floral arrangements for home, hospital, church, and business.
  • Elements and Principles of Design: a special lecture is devoted to this topic as it applies to floral design.
  • Living Jewelry: practical aspects of styling fashionable corsages and other designs for personal adornment in relation to taste, appropriate design, and profit.
  • Wedding Design: instruction on servicing and conducting a wedding consultation, ceremony etiquette and set up procedures, as well as lecture and lab focus on constructing all types of bridal bouquets using contemporary styling and fresh flowers.
  • Sympathy Tributes: basics of preparing funeral designs at all price points, including detailed directions on the construction of each type of floral tribute like easel and casket sprays, wreaths, and fraternal and conventional emblems.
  • Potted Plant Trims: display methods and decorating mechanics to accent a potted plant’s beauty. Contemporary trends, new materials, and recent techniques are accented in creating memorable designs.
  • European Dish Gardens: transplant flowering and foliage plants into a dish garden and use natural accessories to embellish the design form.
  • Shop Management: profitable buying and selling, pricing, salesmanship, and other vital management necessities, with much attention devoted to ensuring greater profit as well as increased customer satisfaction.

Additional course details

Registration and fees

To register online, visit the Benz School Market Place, click on the “Classes” folder, and select your desired course.

Tuition is $1,700.00 which includes all class materials, supplies, and printed hand-out materials.  Students will need to bring their own set of basic tools: a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters and ribbon scissors.

  • Requested refund two weeks prior to scheduled class = full refund less $50.00 admin fee.
  • Requested refund one week prior to scheduled class = 50% refund.
  • Requested refund less than one week prior to scheduled class = no refund.

Textbooks and required materials

  • The required textbook, The ShopKeeper by Johnson and McKinley, is provided as part of the class fee.
  • The textbook Flowers: Creative Design by Johnson, McKinley, and Benz is not required but highly recommended. The book can be purchased at TAMU University Press.
  • The AIFD Guide to Floral Design, Terms, Techniques, and Traditions by The American Institute of Floral Designers is highly recommended for those pursuing their CFD or AIFD credentials.
  • Students must provide their own set of basic tools: a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters, and ribbon scissors.

Location, lodging and parking