Benz School of Floral Design
Welcome
Welcome to the Benz School of Floral Design and the M. Benz Gallery of Floral Art, both housed within the Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences in College Station, Texas. Founded by M. Buddy Benz, with the goal of teaching excellence in floral design, the Benz School curriculum is based on the solid foundations of classic elements and principles of design. Beginners, as well as professional designers, will benefit from studies of the latest techniques and trends in floral design.
“If you have opened the window of my soul through this medium of flowers
and have viewed the beauty of God
of Nature
of Universal Order
Then Life has been a prayer” – M. Benz
Who is the Benz School of Floral Design for?
Beginners
Anyone with an interest in floral design and basic materials can start with the two-week foundational “Basic Design Class,” which includes hands-on skills and design theory.
Professional Florists and Hobbyists
The school offers advanced workshops and certification prep, making it ideal for those looking to refine their craft, learn the business side of floristry, or expand their styles.
Educators and Career Changers
Anyone aiming to launch a floral business or shift into the industry can benefit, especially with continuing education units (CEUs) and certification that employers value.
Benz School curriculum
The Benz School offers a Basic Design class as well as several Advanced Design classes. Students are introduced to every aspect of the floral business in a small class setting, where instructors can provide individual attention to each student’s designs. The elements and principles of design are discussed, with a focus on retail, flower shop management, and event design, highlighting the skills necessary for a successful floral business.
Students can combine these classes and pass qualifying exams to earn three levels of certification.
The Benz School also offers the Certified Floral Designer credential, a nationally recognized credential from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AFID) earned by successfully completing both written and hands-on evaluations.
Director of The Benz School
A seasoned educator of 30 years, Wendy Osburn began her career as an art educator, which led to teaching Horticulture, Floral Design, and Landscape Design as an agriculture advisor.
She is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Design. She also holds a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from Ouachita Baptist University and an Advanced Certificate of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Continuing to learn and gain more training in the floral industry is extremely important. Osburn attended the Benz School of Floral Design and earned her Certified Floral Designer (CFD), and now holds her American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) credentials. She will be pinned in 2026.
In her current position, she combines practical teaching with deep empathy, creating a holistic learning environment. She’s known for engaging students across all backgrounds, advocating for veterans, and seamlessly integrating science, structure and artistry into floral design.
Her journey, from art educator to professor of practice in floral design in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, underscores her commitment to cultivating both creative skill and personal growth in her students.
Benz Gallery of Floral Art
The Benz School is also the home of the M. Benz Gallery of Floral Art at Texas A&M University, which was created to provide a setting for fine art collection from the Benz estate. Display cases in this park-like atrium of the Horticulture/Forest Science Building hold exhibits for the pleasure of students and the community-at-large.
Contact Us
For questions related to The Benz School of Floral Design, contact Barbara Volk Tunnell at [email protected].
Students of the Department of Horticultural Sciences should contact Wendy Osburn at [email protected].
Department of Horticultural Sciences
Texas A&M University MS 2133
College Station, TX 77843 – 2133