International Master Florist
Katherine Olmstead is a floral designer, horticulturist, and creative arts educator based in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2023, she became the first Canadian to earn the title of International Master Florist, graduating from the Boerma Institute in the Netherlands under the mentorship of Gregor Lersch, a globally celebrated floral artist.
Originally from Toronto, Katherine draws inspiration from her diverse travels, her love of food and flowers, and the natural beauty of her home on Vancouver Island. Driven to be as sustainable as possible, Katherine believes that sustainability goes hand-in-hand with offering the best quality materials and designs. This commitment shapes every aspect of her work, from sourcing locally and ethically to creating innovative, eco-friendly floral pieces for events, creative projects, wearable fresh floral fashion, and installations.
Katherine is passionate about sharing her expertise through teaching and mentorship. Her workshops provide participants with the opportunity to connect with local nature, develop artistic skills, and explore their creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment. When she’s not designing in a local flower shop or working at the scenic Gardens at HCP, Katherine enjoys experimenting with other art forms and creative expressions to expand her floral toolbelt.