Question
Hello, I prepare floral arrangements for my church each sunday, I am self taught.  I want my flowers to be beautiful and professional looking.  Do you know of a school in the Maryland, Prince Georges area that I can look into.  I will retire in a year and really want to do flowers as a hobby and maybe professional.

Answer
Hi Trudy,

Congratulations on your new career!  What I can tell you is this... do not waste your time or money on an on line course or certification... there is absolutely no way you can learn a visual art over the computer.  You need hands on experience with someone who is talented and a good teacher!  

I would contact AIFD (american institute of floral design) as well as the National Gardens, Inc. - who is the governing body for all the state and local garden clubs throughout the US and South America.  These groups offer courses all over the country designed for the hobbyist or the professional.  They will be able to put you in touch with your local contact, who in turn can give you solid information on what's going on in your area.  It's the best way, in my opinion, to get the ball rolling.  The more you know, you more involved you become and the more involved you become the more aware you are of all the opportunities to study the art in your own area and within your own sub specialty.

You could also enroll in a design program in any school offering an accredited program.  That will be, however, far more expensive and while a good designer can design in ANY medium and all design classes are worthwhile, you aren't going to get the same career specific instruction there as you would through a group like the ones I mention above.

Good luck