Growing Together: Announcing our New Education & Design Center

At Green Mountain Floral Supply, we believe education is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the floral industry.

For decades, we’ve been committed to supporting the growth of floral professionals throughout Northern New England and New York through educational events, design programs, and opportunities to learn from industry experts. Those experiences have continually reinforced a simple truth: when floral professionals learn, share ideas, and grow together, the entire industry benefits.

That commitment has inspired the creation of Green Mountain Floral Supply’s new Education & Design Center, a dedicated learning space located within our South Burlington, Vermont facility.

“The Education & Design Center was developed in direct response to customer feedback gathered through surveys, event evaluations, and countless conversations with florists and designers over the years. Customers consistently expressed interest in opportunities to deepen their design skills, explore emerging trends, discuss business challenges, and connect with peers.”

Tom & Kim Jennings

Owners, Green Mountain Floral Supply

Designed specifically for hands-on learning, the new space will serve as a hub for professional development, creative exploration, and industry collaboration. Programming will extend beyond traditional design demonstrations to include guided discussions, foundational floral concepts, practical design work, trend exploration, and opportunities for participants to apply new skills in a supportive environment.

Work began right away on crafting the Center’s inaugural educational series, “The Art & Business of Flowers: Funeral Fundamentals” with Marlin Hargrove, AIFD, PFCI, AAF which is being offered July 21 or 22, 2026.

Only a few spots remain in this comprehensive one-day workshop, designed for floral designers, shop owners, managers, and team members looking to strengthen their skills and confidence in funeral and sympathy work.

Students will gain practical knowledge in:

• Guiding families through floral selections

• Communicating compassionately and effectively with funeral homes

• Designing and constructing common sympathy pieces

• Managing delivery logistics

• Pricing for profitability

The day combines classroom learning, facilitated peer discussions, and hands-on design instruction – giving tools and techniques students can put into practice immediately.

Leading the educational programming is nationally recognized floral educator Marlin Hargrove, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, who joins Green Mountain Floral Supply as Artistic Director and Floral Educator.

With more than 45 years of experience spanning the retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors of the floral industry, Marlin brings extensive expertise, creativity, and practical knowledge to the role. His passion for education and commitment to developing floral professionals will help shape the vision and programming of the new Center.

The Education & Design Center represents an investment not only in floral education, but also in the future of the floral community we proudly serve.

We look forward to welcoming our first students into the space later this month!