Ned L. Davis, AIFD, CFD, CMLFD

Ned L. Davis is owner and director of education at the Vermont Academy of Floral Design, which is a private, professional floral design school.

Ned's background in horticulture and landscape architecture serves as a basis for his work in the floral industry, which began in 1976.

In 1987, Ned was the first florist in Vermont to become an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and Certified Floral Designer (CFD). He is also recognized as an AIFD Laureate for his years of AIFD membership and support to the origination. The American Institute of Floral Designers is the floral industry's most prestigious accredited floral organization with approximately 1300 world-wide members. He was also an officer on the board of directors for the Northeast Regional Chapter of AIFD. Ned has also served on the AIFD National Education Committee from 1997 to 1999 and 2002 which researched and assembled the 'Book of Floral Terminology' first edition. In 1989, he represented the Northeastern United States as one of four designers competing in the Design America competition where he was a runner up for the event.

Ned has been a guest designer for industry programs throughout New England as well as a commentator and judge in state and regional design competitions.

Ned has also studied floral design in Europe under world-renowned premier German and Dutch designers.

Ned is also very active in his local church where he was a member on the Board of Deacons and had done extensive floral displays for Lent and Easter and other special church services. He is past graduate of the Vermont Academy of Spiritual Training (VAST) program through the Vermont Conference United Church of Christ. The VAST program offers the laity an in-depth study of the Bible, basic theological concepts and the nature of one's individual calling and spiritual journey. In 2005 Ned was Commissioned as the first  Minister of Liturgical Floral Design (CMLFD) in the United Church of Christ in the United States. He has a special Ministry of Flowers program dealing with church flowers titled The Art of Liturgical Floral Design - Floral Seminars. The Ministry of Flowers program is unique as it is the only one of its kind in the country associated with a professional floral design school. This program will be challenging not only in design concepts but also in one's spiritual growth.  

The Vermont Academy of Floral Design specializes in the art of natural floral design. Because natural designing is very complex, a designer must first understand the basic concepts, the elements and principles of design. Combining the basic concepts with natural design techniques then develops a natural style.

Through lectures, demonstrations and hands on studio design time, students learn how to apply these concepts and techniques to every day designs, sympathy tributes and bridal creations. In addition, students learn the importance of proper flower care, pricing and floral shop management.

The Vermont Academy of Floral Design stands for excellence in the floral industry. It maintains a level of integrity and professionalism, while encouraging each student to become the very best designer they can be. For they are not in competition with anyone else, but only themselves.