The language of flowers is almost as ancient and universal as that of (human) speech, writes J.H. Ingram in his book, Flora Symbolica (1887). Flowers have conveyed meaning to their recipients for thousands of years. Kat Dechant’s presentation will focus on floriography—the use of flowers to send coded messages to express feelings that could not be spoken aloud in Victorian England. She will explore the evolution of the then-popular “tussie-mussie” to demonstrate how flowers “talked” to people then and how this fascinating floral design practice evolved to the present time.

After nearly 40 years in academe and corporate business, Kat turned to the NY Botanical Garden to pursue the field of floral design via its certificate program. She learned how to create everything from simple bouquets to grand-scale arrangements. In 2013, she started Sophisticated Stems, which targeted the niche market of designing floral pieces for intimate occasions, such as anniversary parties, birthdays, teas, and special theme celebrations. She operated her business until 2017, when she moved from Connecticut to the Upper Valley.

This adult program is part of a series produced by the Hanover Garden Club in partnership with the Montshire Museum of Science. It will be held in person (with yummy refreshments made by our members!) and via Zoom (though not for the demonstration portion). It is free of charge and open to the public. Bring a friend!

Click here for the Zoom registration link. This is the accompanying handout for the session.