I had a canceled appointment and a suddenly free morning on Tuesday, so I stopped by the Finkelstein Library in Spring Valley for a floral arranging class with Barbara Cohen, owner of the Petals and Stems shop in Monsey.

She was terrific — practical, simple and a real pro. I’m doing a story for the paper and lohud.com on how to make three simple arrangements with flowers you can find anywhere: tulips, roses and carnations. We’re shooting stills and video at her shop next week.

Barbara says she hosts regular workshops/classes at her store. Here’s email from her about one coming up in March:

“I announce a class in foam flower arranging on Sunday March 15. We will make an oval table arrangement. The class will run approx 1 ½ hrs. The fee for the class is $25 which includes all materials.

“This will be a fun and relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning. This is a hands on class. The end result is you will have an arrangement to enjoy for the week. You will also have the skill to be able to make table arrangements for your future celebrations.

“The cost for this class is very reasonable as an arrangement would cost this alone….so the lesson is and the fun is complementary!

“You may reserve your place over the phone by credit card. You may also pay in person in advance at the store.

Florally yours,

Barbara Cohen

Petals and Stems Floral Decorators, Inc.
77 Route 59 (In front of the former Rickles in the Pathmark Shopping Center)
Monsey, NY 10952
845-206-4333