The floral industry just witnessed an incredible display of talent, vision, and artistry during the Duel of the Delphiniums contest! This exciting bracket-style floral design competition brought together 16 of the most passionate and innovative designers from across the industry. From boutique studio owners and educators to trendsetters and industry advocates, each contestant brought years of experience and a deep-rooted love for floral design to the table. The result? A dynamic, high-energy competition filled with creative brilliance!
After several rounds of head-to-head matchups, one designer emerged victorious—Sheldon Jensen, whose bold vision earned him the title of Duel of the Delphiniums Champion! We’re thrilled to spotlight Sheldon’s journey, his design, and the creative inspiration that fueled his winning moment.
With over a decade in the floral industry, Sheldon grew up surrounded by blooms. Raised in the heart of his family’s shop, Flowers by Michelle, he began his floral career in customer service—an experience that gave him a deep appreciation for the artistry behind every arrangement.
Over the past nine years, Sheldon has cultivated his design skills and creative identity, stepping into a leadership role as shop manager for the past five years. Under the mentorship of his mother and aunt, he continues to evolve as a designer—blending timeless techniques with modern trends to craft floral designs that are fresh, expressive, and deeply personal.
Sheldon approached his work with a clear vision for the Duel of the Delphiniums: to let the delphinium shine in its most natural, elegant form. His design showcased a flowing, organic composition that channeled the beauty of a wild garden. Rich blue delphiniums, soft white blooms, and airy textural branches were thoughtfully layered to create movement, depth, and visual balance.
A vessel by Modern Containers—new to the shop and perfectly suited to his aesthetic—became the foundation for the piece. After experimenting with several iterations, Sheldon followed his instincts, ultimately landing on the design that stole his heart—and the voters.
He’s also counting down the days until the SAF Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Having attended in 2020, Sheldon is eager to return to the vibrant community of floral professionals, immerse himself in design inspiration, and connect with mentors and peers who continue to influence his creative growth.
To support his continued journey, Sheldon will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Details Flowers Software and Floral Management Magazine—two powerful resources that will elevate his artistry and streamline his business operations.
Sheldon sincerely thanks his family, friends, and the floral community for their overwhelming support throughout this competition. He also extends special gratitude to the SAF NextGen community, whose encouragement gave him the confidence to take risks, try new things, and step into the spotlight with courage and excitement.
We extend a huge congratulations to Sheldon Jensen on this well-deserved win! To all the talented designers who participated, thank you for sharing your passion and creativity—your energy made this competition such a success.
Special thanks to our incredible partners at Ball SB and the Society of American Florists for their generous prize contributions and support and to Allure Farms for helping source and coordinate the stunning delphiniums that brought this contest to life.
Here’s to the beauty of flowers, the power of community, and the creativity that drives us all forward!