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Festival of Fabulous Mums: Basic Floral Design with Patty Stimell (Sat.)

Date: Sat, Nov 7, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Venue: Duke Gardens–Pelham-Cullen Classroom in the Barnes Welcome Center, Durham

Price: Free

Category: Outdoors

Join us for a series of free demonstrations and workshops during the Festival of Fabulous Mums at Duke Gardens! In this session, learn the basics of floral design from retired floral designer Patty Stimell, who worked in Washington, D.C. as a designer for the British Embassy, the White House and Hillwood Museum and Gardens. Patty will demonstrate how to prepare a container for designing a floral centerpiece, as well as the proper way to condition flowers and foliage for longevity. This series of free demonstrations and workshops will take place in the Pelham-Cullen Classroom inside the Barnes Welcome Center. No registration required. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 15 min before scheduled start time.

Outdoors · Durham

Festival of Fabulous Mums: Basic Floral Design with Patty Stimell (Sat.)

Arrive by 10:40 AM to secure one of the limited seats before doors open.

When
Nov 7
Sat, Nov 7, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ages
All ages
Price
Free
dukegardensfree
Festival of Fabulous Mums: Basic Floral Design with Patty Stimell (Sat.)
Outdoors

The Festival of Fabulous Mums: Basic Floral Design with Patty Stimell is a free, one-hour public demonstration on the fundamentals of flower arranging and preservation. Held inside the Pelham-Cullen Classroom at Duke Gardens, this session features a retired floral designer who once created arrangements for the British Embassy and the White House. Attendees will learn how to prep containers and condition stems so that cut flowers stay fresh for as long as possible. This event is best suited for parents, grandparents, and older teenagers who enjoy gardening or crafts. Admission is entirely free, and you do not need to register in advance. However, seating is limited and handled on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening at 10:45 AM. Duke Gardens parking is metered at $2 per hour, which you can pay at the kiosks or via the PayByPhone app. It is a smart addition to your weekend plans because it combines a practical, creative skill session with an easy walk through the gardens. You can learn how to elevate your home arrangements, then spend the afternoon exploring the historic terraces and the blooming chrysanthemums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets or register for the floral design workshop?
No registration or tickets are required for this event. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive when the doors open at 10:45 AM.
Where is the workshop located and where should I park?
The demonstration takes place in the Pelham-Cullen Classroom inside the Barnes Welcome Center at Duke Gardens. You can park in the main Duke Gardens lot, which charges a metered rate of $2 per hour.
Is this event suitable for young children?
This is a seated, lecture-style demonstration that lasts an hour, making it best suited for adults, seniors, and quiet teenagers rather than toddlers or young children.

Last updated

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Nov 7

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Festival of Fabulous Mums: Basic Floral Design with Patty Stimell (Sat.) runs Sat, Nov 7, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Getting There

Duke Gardens–Pelham-Cullen Classroom in the Barnes Welcome Center is at 420 Anderson Street, Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Duke Gardens–Pelham-Cullen Classroom in the Barnes Welcome Center

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot

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