Join Eileen Tongson of FarmGal Flowers for an in-depth presentation and demonstration of floral design.

Eileen will construct several arrangements including a kitchen garden bouquet, her signature botanical design, a Florida foliage design including succulents, and garden scene tablescape of bud vases. She will share the story of her passion for locally grown flowers, starting with a packet of seeds from her mom that grew into a successful business with a national reputation.

Eileen Tongson is the owner of FarmGal Flowers, an urban flower farm and design studio in Orlando. She is also one of the gardeners at East End Market where she grows flowers and helps maintain the market garden. In addition to growing her own flowers, Eileen designs with them and provides arrangements for special occasions and events. Eileen completed the University of Florida IFAS Master Gardener Program and has studied floral design at numerous locations over the years including Floret Flower Farm and Flower School New York.

Eileen is also a gardening and floral design instructor at Harry P. Leu Gardens and East End Market. Her flowers and gardening expertise have been featured in Flower Magazine, Florists Review, Edible Orlando, Slow Flowers, Orange Appeal magazine, Houzz.com, The Spruce, and most recently, in Floret Farm’s book, “Small Plot, Big Impact: Inspiring Stories, Profiles & Advice from 30 Flower Growers From Around the World” and Debra Prinzing’s book, “Where We Bloom.”  Eileen was voted Best Florist in Best of Winter Park 2020 and 2019. Clients have included The Ford Motor Company, Chico’s (clothing), Williams-Sonoma Winter Park, the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Magic. Eileen is a contributor to the Growing Kindness Project where she shares her knowledge and skills for growing flowers in hot climates and encourages others to “garden and give.”  She continues to expand and refine her skills through floral design/flower farming workshops across the country and as a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

The Designer of Distinction is an annual fundraising event that presents an expert in the field of floral design demonstrating and discussing her work. Eileen’s presentation will be followed by a raffle of the arrangements she creates and a three-course catered lunch.

This program will be offered in-person at the Garden Club. COVID-19 precautions will be outlined closer to the event.

Become a member today and get a BIG discount!

Circle members

Please contact the Garden Club if you want to sit with your circle by calling 904-355-4224 or emailing info@gardenclubjax.

Ballroom tickets

• $50 for Garden Club members (plus up to three guests)
• $75 for nonmembers

Menu

Davoli’s Catering will serve a three-course lunch:

• Salad: Thinly sliced Anjou pears, arugula, blue cheese crumbles, toasted pine nuts, and Champagne vinaigrette dressing, served with a basket of handmade rolls, focaccia, and butter
• Entrée: Sliced, roasted chicken breast and a medley of roasted vegetables tossed in basil pesto and served over angel hair pasta (served without chicken for vegetarians)
• Dessert: Espresso chocolate mousse

Raffle tickets

We will be raffling the arrangements made by Eileen Tongson.

• $5 for one ticket
• $25 for six tickets

Sponsors

FernTrust, which is sponsoring Eileen’s Florida foliage design, is marketing cooperative of 11 family farms located in Seville, Florida, the heart of fern country. With more than 120 foliages in stock each day we are truly your one stop shop for everything foliage. Our unique product lines include our patented FernCool and Delta sleeved leather leaf, our ColorFresh foliage and our Fabulous Foliage bouquet line. We love working with creative designers like Eileen to share the beauty of our industry with the world.

The Riverdale Inn, which is providing lodging for Eileen, is a family owned and operated business located in the heart of Riverside in Jacksonville. With 11 individually designed and decorated guest rooms, guests feel at home while still enjoying the amenities of a hotel or larger inn.