JANUARY 26

STORIES: Claire Ruhlin

It’s a common belief that floral arrangements are as ephemeral as they are beautiful, but ask Marie-Laure Coste Dujols, the founder and lead designer at Le Jardin Français floral boutique, and she’ll assure you otherwise. “Once people are educated, they can have hydrangeas for 10 days,” she says. “My challenge has been educating people that flowers do last. It’s just like a chef educating people to taste an heirloom tomato in the middle of summer at its peak; it’s all about teaching people about the seasons.”

Le Jardin Français offers the opportunity to learn from Coste Dujols herself, as well as members of her staff, at its seasonal floral design classes, the latest of which is scheduled for January 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shop’s Westside location. Admission is $225 per person, which includes access to an extensive selection of seasonal winter florals—think amaryllis, paperwhites, narcissus and lichen branches—along with the necessary tools for floral arranging. Attendees enjoy coffee and treats as they learn the art of everything from proper arranging techniques and ideal proportions to floral varieties.

After a demonstration by Coste Dujols, attendees can select a vessel and build their own arrangement from labeled florals the team has curated for the event. “They get to experience the boutique the way we do as designers,” says Coste Dujols.

lejardinfrancais.com