Education – Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs

Come Learn With Us!

The Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs sponsors the following National Garden Clubs accredited courses:

Flower Show Schools

Flower Show Schools (FSS)

FSS I – 2025 Brochure August 18^th– 21^st 2025

FSS II – 2026 Brochure March 23^rd – 26^th 2026

These courses are not only for prospective flower show exhibitors and judges, but also for all garden club members and all persons interested in flower design and horticulture.

Design instruction covers traditional floral arrangements through contemporary styles and even designs incorporating lights and motors. Many attendees are particularly interested in table setting designs showing coordination of floral centerpiece, linens and dishes. Vignettes, small segments of rooms, also give ideas on interior decorating.

The horticulture curriculum consists of basic general information on proper gardening techniques from seed/plant selection to plant culture and control of problems. Information is also presented on cultural needs of specific perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs, as well as fruits, vegetables and nuts and how to grow superior container plants.

While the primary purpose of these courses is to train those wishing to become flower show judges, many people attend for information only and those people do not have to take the examinations!

Flower Show School is a series of four courses that covers the principles of floral design as well as fundamentals of plant life. Training is given in judging design and horticulture. Courses may be taken in any order and may be attended by any garden club member.

After successful completion of the four courses and after passing the reading exam, a member may become an accredited judge.

VFGC & NGC Flower Show Achievement Awards

FSS is open to all. You may attend a single session or entire course.

Plants Native to Virginia

Native Plants PDF — Native Plants doc

Flower Show Symposium

Symposium is an in-depth three-day course on various aspects of Flower Shows. This is primarily intended for Flower Show Judges to maintain their credentials, but anyone interested in learning more about Flower Shows or Floral Arranging is very much welcome. Information offered at symposia is more advanced than that presented in the flower show schools.

Flower Show Symposium Brochure November 3^rd – 4^th 2025

Did you know you can attend Symposium even if you are not a flower show judge?

Any garden club member is eligible to attend. Information offered at Symposium is more advanced than that presented in flower show schools.