Join Me & Sue McLeary, and Immerse in the Seasonal Flowers of Late Spring
If you're new here, or new to the world of floristry and floral design, the name Sue McLeary may not register. Her famous alias 'Passionflower Sue' may not even register - gasp! Yet within my industry, these two names carry major heft.
And so, please pull up a seat to learn more about Sue and her impact on my design approach... or, scroll allll the way down for all details on our upcoming collaboration. Hint - you are invited!!
Susan McLeary is an internationally renowned floral artist, educator, and author. Much to my amazement, she will be in residence at our Sunset Park studio, to share her gifts for innovative and sustainably minded design, and her love of teaching and floral education. Sue will lead us (up to 20 total) in a 2-day creative masterclass - really a floral retreat for all five senses - in her innovative, artful, adaptable floral design mechanics. We will be surrounded by fragrant (and non fragrant) late March flowers -- narcissi, hellebores, tulips, ranunculus, hyacinth, fritillaries, and more.
Who is this Workshop / Retreat / Masterclass for?
This workshop is open to all. Longtime flower and nature lovers, gardeners, the flower curious, and beginning and seasoned florists and floral designers.
This 2-day retreat of sorts is designed for those who want to slow down, work deeply with materials, and rethink what bouquets, installations, and wearable florals can look like.
Over two immersive days in our Sunset Park studio, participants will engage in hands-on learning, collaborative installation work, and portfolio-level editorial photography, all grounded in seasonality, sustainability, and nature-inspired design principles.
This Masterclass with Susan McLeary: Artful Armatures + Adaptable Mechanics will be dedicated to exploring structure and natural design as a creative tool — one that allows florists to push beyond conventional forms, solve complex design challenges, and create work that feels both intentional and alive.
For florists and designers:
This workshop will be an investment in your craft, an opportunity to refine your mechanics, expand your creative vocabulary, and leave with tools you’ll continue to use long after the workshop ends — alongside images of your work that reflect its true intention and craftsmanship.
For non-florists and designers (but also florists and designers:):
This workshop (I hope) will provide some much needed respite for each of us - from the news cycle and slog of everyday responsibilities - and a gift in the form of time spent in the presence of beautiful flowers and kind community, and with our creativity. As in the Japanese tradition of nature bathing, I think most florists and designers do experience the natural highs of working with this living medium. For me personally, when I have the time and space to create, and can make something beautiful and tangible with my hands, there is a feeling of satisfaction that's unmatched.
I hope you will come experience this unique joy of being immersed and surrounded by a sea of floral textures, colors, and moods; to learn some new flowers and floral design techniques that may help you in your creative practice; to meet some undeniably wonderful people, eat delicious food, and enjoy a pause in your life. If NYC is not your home, I plan to set you up with plenty of recommendations and may organize some special side trips and meals - to the 28th St. flower district, and a restaurant one evening.
We cannot wait to host you and co-create this experience! I hope you'll read on to learn more about Sue, and the ways in which her work has inspired me and encouraged me to continue on this path at a critical juncture in life.
There is a limitation on space - only 20 "seats." So, please r/o to me with any questions and secure that seat ASAP. Reach me at (molly) @ mollyoliverflowers.com.
Tickets and all details here
Who is Sue McLeary (Passionflower Sue)?
I'm not sure exactly when I first learned about Sue or set my eyes on her singular, prolific body of work. It was likely in 2013/14, about 2 years into my own floral design journey.
Sue made a striking side-step into the industry around 2013-14, when her jewelry-designer background morphed into an infatuation with flowers and their creative possibilities. As the story goes, she caught a glimpse of a passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), and was stopped dead in her tracks - transfixed by its unique structure, interesting coloration and textural complexity. At that moment, her art and career took a swift turn.
Sue began experimenting and playing with flowers as adornment: cuffs, necklaces, headpieces, crowns, rings... Several steps beyond the then-mainstream flower crown, she began posting images of her innovative "botanical jewelry" and "floral wearables," pushing those mainstream ideas onto fresh new terrain. Broad floral collars reminiscent of Egyptian Usekh necklaces, densely "beaded" with astrantia, hyacinth and hellebores; chunky bracelets and ring forms fully covered in intricate textural patterns of miniature succulents; grandiose headpieces and "#flowerfros" made from passionflower, pokeweed, celosia and hanging amaranth. If you scroll back in her Instagram account, to her earliest posts, you'll see what I mean. 
An early claim to Sue's wider fame was her campaign (still active;) for a modern/innovative take on the corsage. Yes the corsage - a floral adornment dating back to ancient Greece, Victorian England, 18th C. France, and 80s movies lore... If you read up on the history it's quite fascinating. Still, they remain a trope riddled with baggage around feminism, around scratchy doilies and too-tight wristbands, around the now-frowned-upon rose or carnation (due to over-saturation).
But they have also been regarded as the height of fashion many times over - history is cyclical. I would argue that the 90s was perhaps their roughest era - and my prom was in 1999. I personally DID have a very strong desire (true tunnel vision) for a gardenia corsage (more on that another day). It was heaven. Sue continues to spin out bold new takes and advocate for this piece of floral history, creating eye catching examples that actually compliment the wearer with artful shapes and amaze the observer as her designs are composed with unusual seasonal ingredients in yummy, harmonious color stories. In her newest versions, they can morph from wrist or arm corsage, to belt embellishment, to shoulder flourish, to a headpiece. The tools, supplies, and tricks she's honed over a decade + are what we'll get to dive deep into in our Masterclass.
Even I type this, I'm like, hmmmm yes, I think I'm maybe coming back around to the corsage... it's complicated, I know.
Today, Sue continues her passions for experimentation, and "pushing the floral industry forward" by using her time and resources to constantly innovate and generously share concepts with her global community of 320,000+ followers. Her work invites any observer to be curious about flowers, sustainable design, and about seasonality, waste reduction and careful sourcing of materials and ingredients. More powerfully, she invites us to rethink and recall our relationship to - and our appreciation for - nature, through the stunning beauty she creates and captures our attention with.
Tickets and all details here
Sue McLeary's Impact on Molly Oliver Flowers
In 2012, I was 31 years old, passionately developing a 1-acre hand-tilled, educational, diversified vegetable/herb/flower farm in Brooklyn, NY. (Yes, 1 full acre; yes, in Brooklyn - a rarity to be sure). I had been community gardening > urban farming > rural certified organic farming for 8 consecutive seasons at that point, in New Haven, the South Bronx, California's Central Coast, and ultimately back in Brooklyn. As I was trying - hard - to make it an an urban farmer/composter/educator by cobbling together short-term 1099 contracts with multiple "greening" organizations, I essentially fell into launching a "sustainable floral design" business. A couple of high school friends had asked me to "do the flowers" for their weddings in 2011, and 2012. I decided to put up a website in late 2012, and through word of mouth and some pavement pounding around Brooklyn, I wound up with about 10 jobs on the calendar for 2013. Some kind of unexpected miracle. My fellow millennials were getting married, and the idea of a sustainable approach to event flowers spoke to them.
...In hindsight, coming across Sue's work and ethos/approach at that moment was really impactful for me. As a farmer coming from a social justice-oriented background, I really wasn't quite so sure if floristry was my thing, or my community. Yes, I had been pulled towards the beauty, color, symmetry and asymmetry of farm landscapes / harvests / market stands. Towards the beauty of a pile of freshly harvested curly-q garlic scape bunches, or an artfully messy pile of heirloom tomatoes. And certainly towards buckets of textural, colorful cut flowers and beautiful bouquets once I was introduced to growing and marketing them in 2008. I had long ago fallen in love with farms and all the sensory highs and inner joy that farming provided from the start; I understood I was pursuing sustainable farming (of vegetables and flowers) for reasons related to environmental protection and social justice and human and ecosystem health. Flowers and floristry as a political art - as a medium through which to communicate those passions - was new to me...
Me, farming 'Double Quick' sunflowers at The Youth Farm, ~2012
Sue was one of the first (if not the very first) floral design mentors/leaders I encountered who echoed back that floral design, like farming, could be beautiful, romantic, artful, transporting - and also, be approached in more sustainable, earth-centered ways. And I suppose that when you find like-minded people, you feel that sense of belonging. As a community organizer and farmer, I was definitely not so sure I belonged in the world of floral design. I certainly didn't view myself as an artist. I hadn't gone to art school, or fashion school. Looking back now, I believe it was very helpful to my inner beginning florist to encounter a leader and teacher who was embodying more of who I could imagine myself to be as a designer. Who welcomed me in, and came from a similar viewpoint. In many ways, floristry is approached in a decidedly un-political way... and I just wasn't so sure about any of it, though I could begin to see a way I might approach it.
Of course, it was originally the sheer originality and beauty of Sue's work that made me stop dead in my tracks. And, in the beginning, it felt like designing flowers would help me cover rent.
Looking back at that younger version of Molly, I see her as deeply attached to her identity as a farmer, her community of food justice folks, and to a narrow viewpoint about what my contributions should in the world be as a woke-ish white woman. I see the unconscious desire I had for a creative outlet, and that flowers became my medium. I see that I didn't only pursue event work with flowers because I needed to cover the bills. (That was in fact true, But.) I had a strong pull towards the beauty of flowers, and a barely conscious desire to create with flowers (especially locally-grown ones so that I could support local sustainable flower farmers). To highlight that beauty to others; to tell the story of where flowers come from. To also deepen my own knowledge about their seasonality, their post-harvest requirements, their limits, their needs, their infinite possibilities. I had 6 seasons of flower growth under my belt at that point, but there were miles and miles to go in terms of exhausting my knowledge of flowers. I needed a teacher (or many). I needed a mentor, someone to follow whose values felt in sync. Sue was that person.
I continue to be so grateful for the community Sue cultivates and knowledge/research she generously shares in real time with her large audience. On any given day, you can visit her Instagram account and witness her tinkering / playing / testing new armatures, mechanics, and designs; and, encouraging and congratulating other designers who use her techniques and take them in new directions.
We can’t wait to gather, learn, make beautiful things together, build community and fill our spiritual cups.
Tickets and all details here
Meet the Instructor: Susan McLeary (Passionflower Sue)
Susan McLeary — also known as Passionflower Sue — is a floral artist, instructor, presenter, and author based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her work challenges conventional ideas about what florists are capable of and champions the belief that floristry is an art form — and florists are artists.
Her teaching is rooted in strong design principles, sustainable methods, and innovative, solution-based mechanics. Through her workshops, writing, and online education, Susan supports a cultural shift toward recognizing floristry as an expressive and rigorous art form that empowers designers to develop their own creative voice.
Susan has taught internationally at institutions and events including Flowerstock, The Slow Flowers Summit, The Boerma Instituut (Netherlands), Saison Fleurie (Seoul), Floret Flower Workshop, The American Institute of Floral Design, and many more. She is the author of The Art of Wearable Flowers and Flowers for All, both published by Chronicle Books.
Workshop Details at a Glance
Masterclass with Susan McLeary: Artful Armatures + Adaptable Mechanics
Dates: Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day
Location: Molly Oliver Flowers Studio
14 53rd St., Suite 405N
Brooklyn, NY (Sunset Park)
Cost: $1,495
Format: In-person, hands-on, small group
Rain or shine
Each ticket includes all flowers and materials, as well as breakfast and lunch both days, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Dietary needs will be accommodated whenever possible.
All tickets are non-refundable. In the exceptionally rare circumstance that the workshop does not reach capacity by 3/5/26, or in the event of an unforeseen emergency, the workshop may be canceled and a full refund will be issued.
Day One: Artful Armatures & Bouquet Mechanics
Monday, March 30th | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Day One is fully dedicated to bouquet design and mechanics, immersing participants in Susan’s latest wire armature techniques. Instruction will explore multiple methods for creating modern, durable wire frame bouquet armatures that support expressive, sculptural designs.
Topics include material selection and conditioning, essential tools and wire techniques, adaptable mechanics for modern bouquet forms, and strategies for stretching materials while maintaining integrity.
After demonstrations, attendees will complete two bouquet armature designs, which also double as fashion-forward floral headpieces. The day concludes with the creation of wire tulip “constellations,” which will be used to embellish a floating arch installation on Day Two.
Skills learned include: Wire Frame Cascade Bouquet, Shape-Shifting Constellation Cascade Bouquet, Double-Duty Handle Bouquet, and Wire Spine Bouquet Armature.
Day Two: Installation, Floral Jewelry & Portfolio Photography
Tuesday, March 31st | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Day Two begins with the creation of a floating arch installation, embellished with the wire tulip constellations created the day before. This collaborative installation is designed to challenge conventional applications while remaining approachable and adaptable.
The morning continues with a demonstration on modern bracelet bouquets and floral jewelry, expanding the conversation around wearable florals and sculptural mechanics.
In the afternoon, all student work will be professionally modeled and photographed by Chaz Cruz. Based in Mexico City, Chaz photographs creative work and weddings across New York, Mexico, and California, with a thoughtful focus on process, texture, and human connection.
Each participant will receive one-on-one time with Susan, the model, and the photographer to ensure their work is captured beautifully for portfolio use.
What’s Included
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Two full days of guided instruction with Susan McLeary
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Ongoing support and assistance from Molly Oliver Flowers
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All flowers and materials for:
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Two bouquet designs
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One collaborative installation
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A floral jewelry demonstration
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Breakfast and lunch both days, plus snacks and beverages
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Professional photography of your work
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Meaningful connection with like-minded florists and flower enthusiasts
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is open to curious florists and floral enthusiasts of all skill levels. The techniques taught are designed to be approachable for newer designers while remaining deeply engaging and challenging for experienced florists.
Whether you’re refining mechanics, expanding your portfolio, or reconnecting with creative play, this masterclass offers space to slow down, experiment, and grow.
Join Us
We are honored to welcome Susan McLeary into our Brooklyn studio and to host this rare, in-depth learning experience.
Space is intentionally limited to preserve the intimacy and quality of instruction.
Tickets and all details here