Designer of Distinction Fundraiser: Laura Dowling

About Laura Dowling

• Laura was commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to design a collection of four holiday (USA Forever) wreath stamps that were launched nationwide on October 25, 2019.
• Laura received the Great American Gardeners Award for achievements in floristry (2012) from the American Horticultural Society, and served as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors from 2016 - 2024.
• Laura was named “Distinguished Alumnus” for Centralia College in 2013, where she gave the commencement address that year.
• Floraliën 2016 (Ghent, Belgium) – At this internationally renowned horticultural festival, Laura created a large installation – a stylized U.S. Capitol dome made of curly willow branches and hundreds of blue hyacinth plants in celebration of the theme “Floral Diplomacy.”
• The Royal Horticultural Society of Belgium awarded Laura the title of “Distinguished Flower Ambassador,” during a ceremony recognizing international diplomats and ambassadors (2016).
• TEDx Talk MidAtlantic (October 2016) – Laura delivered a talk on the strategic and diplomatic power and potential of floristry and her experiences in the White House. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcUzE7t_3o8)
• Laura presented a main stage flower show and talk, entitled “A Floral Adventure” at the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) annual symposium in Chicago in July, 2023.
• In 2023, Laura joined the USA Today “Food and Wine Experience” tour, presenting flower demonstrations at festivals around the country.
• In November, 2024, Laura decorated the historic Cheekwood Mansion at the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN where she previewed her new book Designing Christmas. and was featured on the national style blog Homeworthy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryr-zE2H1jI).
• Laura received the prestigious AIFD "National Merit Award" -- for achievements and contributions to the floral industry -- at the annual symposium in Palm Springs, California in July, 2025.

About Designer of Distinction

The Designer of Distinction is an annual fundraising event that presents an expert in the field of floral design demonstrating and discussing her work. There will be a special Cocktail Reception & Book Signing on January 28th. The January 29th presentation will be followed by a raffle of her arrangements and a three-course catered lunch.

Dates:

• Cocktail Reception & Book Signing: January 28th, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Presentation & Luncheon: January 29th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Luncheon Only Tickets

• Front Row Seating Luncheon Only, Members & Nonmembers: Donation $125
• Luncheon Only Members - Donation: $100.00
• Luncheon Only Nonmembers - Donation: $125.00

Priority Tickets

• Garden Club of Jacksonville Topiary Membership and benefits.
• Invitation to the VIP Cocktail Reception & Book Signing.
• Front-row priority seating at the Designer of Distinction Luncheon. Limited seating —reserve early!
• An autographed copy of one of Laura’s published books.
• VIP Parking for Luncheon.
• Donation: $500.00

VIP Tickets

• Garden Club of Jacksonville Topiary Membership and benefits.
• Invitation to the VIP Cocktail Reception & Book Signing.
• VIP seating at the table with Laura Dowling at the Designer of Distinction Luncheon. Limited to six tickets—reserve early!
• An autographed copy of one of Laura’s published books.
• Floral arrangement designed by Laura Dowling.
• VIP Parking for Luncheon.
• Donation: $750.00
• VIP Cocktail Reception Only & Book Signing
  • Donation: $300.00 Members Only. Includes Topiary Membership

Raffle tickets

• $10 for one raffle ticket
• $50 for six raffle tickets

Circle Members

We will make our best effort to seat circle members with their circles with purchase of Luncheon Only ticket but cannot make a guarantee. If you have questions, please call 904-355-4224 or email info@gardenclubjax.org

Menu

• Chicken
• Salmon
• Vegetarian