The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners will host its inaugural Fall Speaker’s Luncheon on Sept. 25 at the LSU Shreveport University Center Ballroom, bringing an internationally recognized horticulturalist to the region for a presentation and hands-on floral workshop.
Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 11 a.m. at the second-floor ballroom.
Featured speaker Christopher Barrett Sheridan, known internationally as the “Flower Sommelier,” is a horticulturalist and floral design instructor whose presentations focus on heirloom flowers, fragrant plants, romantic gardens and Victorian floral traditions.
During the presentation, Sheridan will discuss the language of fragrance, design strategies for scented plants and the progression of the scented bloom cycle. He regularly teaches immersive floral design workshops at Longwood Gardens and has lectured at national events, including the Philadelphia Flower Show and the International Master Gardener Conference.
Following the presentation, attendees will participate in a Tussie-Mussie, or Victorian Posy, floral workshop led by Sheridan with assistance from first-year Master Gardener students. Participants will learn about the Victorian Language of Flowers before selecting flowers and foliage from the “Bloom Bar” to create and take home a miniature bouquet.
Tickets are $60 and include the presentation, floral workshop, catered lunch and all workshop materials. Seating is limited, and table reservations will be available while space remains.
The luncheon is open to gardeners, floral enthusiasts and members of the public interested in horticulture and floral design. Tickets may be purchased through the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners website.
