Students Help with Van Rensselaer Garden Club Dinner Floral Designs

Business is budding in the Capital Region BOCES Floral Design program, according to officials.

With a "staff" of eight students, the floral program is arranging the centerpieces for the annual Van Rensselaer Garden Club dinner Thursday and developing a floral design for the major Culinary Cornucopia gala this weekend.

Of course, Margaret Bugler's students are also charged with learning the techniques behind their designs, as well as integrated English and all of the other classwork that is part of their daily learning at CTE.

"We are very busy. It's good, but we are busy," said Bugler in between cutting carnations and instructing students.

The students are creating 29 centerpieces for the Garden Club dinner, which is Oct. 30 at the Franklin Plaza in Troy. Using a myriad of different greens, students are also incorporating carnations and other flowers into their design.

At the same time, the students are developing various floral arrangements for the food display tables at the Culinary Cornucopia, which is a major fundraiser for Living Resources. The event pits some of the top chefs in the region against each other in a culinary competition that ends with a gala dinner at the Albany Marriott.

The Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students say they love the experience the work gives them.

"I really like helping out with floral shows," said Shannon Devoe, from the Shenendehowa Central School District.

Jhyerel Ford, who attends CTE from the Cohoes City School District, said he loves the hands-on work.

"I just like being in the (shop). It's calm and peaceful and I really like working with the flowers," said Ford.