Episode 776: Learn How to Make a Sustainable, European-Style Armature with Gina Thresher of From the Ground Up Floral

https://youtu.be/FMW7OVIK5U8 Based on her recent design workshop for the Seattle Growers Market, Gina Thresher of From the Ground Up Floral shared a design demonstration during our Slow Flowers Member meetup in June – and we filmed the session to share today. Gina’s European Sustainable Armature Bouquet elevates floral artistry by moving beyond foam, glue and tape. She shares the method of creating a European-style natural bouquet armature, a sustainable design philosophy pioneered by legendary German Master Florist Gregor Lersch – and technique that’s beautiful and completely compostable. An International Master Florist, member of AIFD and EMC-trained, as well as a longtime Slow Flowers member, Gina demonstrates how to build an intricate structure using only organic and biodegradable materials, allowing floral compositions to dance within a sculptural framework. As a bonus, she shares a second design method using moss and raffia as the mechanic. You’ll want to add the ideas and inspiration she shares to your toolbox as you expand your skills and techniques. Gina Thresher has trained with top florists in North America and Europe – and beyond – and she has achieved the highest credentials, from AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) and EMC (European Masters Certification) to IMF (International Master Florist). At the heart of her aesthetic and design philosophy, Gina is a garden-lover and a Slow Flowers member. Today, you’ll see her design a European-style armature with a beautiful array of seasonal flowers from her garden and from her neighbors (which she clipped with permission). She learned this method from Gregor Lersch, who teaches the IMF certification program. Gather your branches and get out your toolbox and drill bit to you can challenge yourself to this game-changing approach to floral design, suitable for hand-tied bouquets, arrangements, and installations. Hand-tied bouquet using sustainable armature by Gina Thresher of From the Ground Up Floral Supply List for Sustainable European Armature Seasonal bouquet using Spanish Moss-and-Raffia ball as mechanic Supply List for moss ball-bouquet mechanic Gina's second “bonus” demonstration (see final design, above) incorporates seasonal flowers that she sourced from the Seattle Growers Market. The mechanic uses natural, compostable materials, and you probably have them on hand. The Content Retreat, July 20-22 The Content Retreat with Gina Thresher And here are the details (and a promo code) about Gina’s upcoming workshop, The Content Retreat, taking place July 20-22, 2026 at Viva la Flora Studio in Ellicott, Maryland. The three-day course will set you up with three months of social media content and launch your future confidence in creating the posts, stories, reels, and blogs that showcase you and your brand. Polish your photography skills and learn about AI content scheduling, too. The workshop cost is $497 and Gina has shared a gift with our listeners, viewers, and members to save $100 off with code: SLOWFLOWERS. Click for Details and Registration Thank you to our Sponsors This show is brought to you by slowflowers.com, the free, online directory to florists, shops, and studios who design with local, seasonal and sustainable flowers and to the farms that grow those blooms. It’s the conscious choice for buying and sending flowers. Thank you to our lead sponsor, My Patio Tree: Expertly Grown Plants, Perfectly Designed to Elevate Your Garden. Their second-generation family tree farm has curated the best-performing, cutting-edge, multi-zone varieties to enhance your garden, patio or special event. Every tree purchased supports Plant With Purpose, a nonprofit organization that restores hope by reversing global poverty and environmental damage. Learn more at mypatiotree.com. Thank you to Longfield Gardens, which provides home gardeners with high quality flower bulbs and perennials. Their online store offers plants for every region and every season, from tulips and daffodils to dahlias, caladiums and amaryllis. Check out the full catalog at Longfield Gardens at lon