Our Club was established in 1958 by Mrs Lil Nesbitt OAM, who was conducting floral art lessons at her home, for ladies who were supporting the Crippled Children's Association and Spastic Council in their fundraising endeavours.
To raise additional funds, the Club commenced exhibitions in the Woodville Town Hall, which continued until 1995.
In 1992 an association began with the Rose Society of South Australia, with members of the Club decorating the stage area at the twice yearly Rose Shows. At those events, members also created flower arrangements to sell to the public. That involvement continued for almost 30 years. More recently, the club has continued its close association with the Rose Society, by creating displays at the Spring Rose Show held at Garden Grove Nursery in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
In 2022 Woodville Academy played a significant supporting role in the World Rose Convention held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Members designed and put together displays with a focus on roses, and made 250 rose button holes for local and international convention participants.
Another major community event that Woodville Academy has been associated with for more than 20 years is the annual Christmas Pageant, held in Adelaide each November. Under Blaire Ringwaldt's leadership, members of the Club have arranged the fresh flowers on the Nipper and Nimble floats, more recently one combined float. In addition, Club members decorate the Royal float and make the posies and bouquets carried by the Pageant Queen and her attendants.
The Club, with a current membership of approximately 35, has been teaching the principles, elements and styles of floral design for over 65 years. There is a wealth of experience and a wide variety of skills within the Club membership. In particular, four members are accredited Floral Design Council of South Australia Judges, with the knowledge and skills to teach a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary trends.
Woodville Academy of Floral Design is affiliated with the Floral Design Council of South Australia, the state body for floral art, which in turn is affiliated with the Australian Floral Art Association (AFAA), which is a member of the World Association of Floral Art (WAFA).
Woodville Academy of Floral Design Inc.