UPDATE (11:33 am): A spokesperson from The Judges Council of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut has informed The Newtown Bee that Peggy Townsend's workshop at Newtown Community Center is full. A waitlist has been started, however, for those who would still like to try to attend. Contact Trish Manfredi through the email at the end of this press release to be added to that list.

* * * * *

The Judges Council of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc will offer a morning workshop for those interested in competitive floral design.

“An Introduction To Creative Floral Design: Parallel Design” is planned for Friday, May 2, 10 am to noon, at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street.

The workshop fee of $60 includes flowers, foliage, container and mechanics. Registration is required by April 15, and available through ctgardenclubs.org/education/creativedesignworkshops/

Those planning to take the workshop are asked to arrive at the community center by 9:45 that morning.

In the workshop, Flower Show Judge Peggy Townsend will review key principles and elements of design as used in floral designs. She will also demonstrate leaf manipulation techniques and abstractions that can be used to construct a creative parallel design as well as other designs.

Participants will use some of these techniques to create their own parallel design using the container and plant material provided.

At the end of the workshop, judges will assist small groups in analyzing their designs for applications of the principles and elements of design and the use of leaf manipulation techniques and abstractions.

Townsend is a multiple award-winning competitor and a National Garden Club accredited judge. She is also a longstanding member of The Garden Club of Newtown and Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown.

Information on what to bring (scissors, etc) will be sent to those who register.

For additional information contact event coordinator Trish Manfredi at ptmanfredi@cox.net.