Florist Course

Lesson 1 • Flower and Foliage Identification

Teaches identification of common cut flowers, foliage, and filler plants by name and visual traits. Accurate identification supports correct care and design choices.

Lesson 2 • Plant Anatomy and Physiology

Explains stem structure, water uptake, and cellular respiration in cut flowers. Understanding physiology directly informs conditioning and care practices.

Lesson 3 • Receiving and Conditioning Flowers

Covers unpacking, grading, re-cutting stems, and hydrating fresh stock. Proper conditioning extends vase life and reduces waste.

Lesson 4 • Essential Tools and Equipment

Covers cutting tools, foam, wire, tape, and workspace setup. Proper tool use prevents injury and ensures clean, professional results.

Lesson 1 • Applying Design Principles Practically

Students execute small practice arrangements applying color and design rules. Hands-on application reinforces theoretical concepts from earlier sections.

Lesson 2 • Understanding the Color Wheel

Introduces primary, secondary, and tertiary colors and their relationships. Color wheel literacy is the basis for all palette decisions in floral design.

Lesson 3 • Color Harmonies and Schemes

Teaches complementary, analogous, triadic, and monochromatic schemes. Each scheme produces a distinct emotional effect in finished designs.

Lesson 4 • Texture and Form in Arrangements

Explores how flower form and surface texture create visual contrast and depth. Combining textures elevates simple arrangements to professional quality.

Lesson 1 • Cold Storage Management

Teaches cooler setup, temperature zoning, and species-specific storage needs. Proper cold chain management preserves quality from delivery to sale.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Rotation and Waste Reduction

Covers FIFO rotation, daily quality checks, and repurposing aging stock. Systematic inventory management directly improves profitability.

Lesson 3 • Post-Harvest Flower Science

Examines how temperature, humidity, and light affect cut flower lifespan. Scientific understanding enables precise environmental control decisions.

Lesson 4 • Floral Preservatives and Solutions

Covers commercial preservatives, homemade solutions, and their chemical roles. Correct solution use extends vase life and maintains color vibrancy.

Lesson 1 • Sympathy and Tribute Designs

Covers casket sprays, wreaths, and standing sprays using foam-based mechanics. Sympathy work requires precision, sensitivity, and structural reliability.

Lesson 2 • Hand-Tied Bouquet Construction

Teaches the spiral stem technique for building freestanding hand-tied bouquets. This foundational skill underpins bridal, gift, and everyday bouquet work.

Lesson 3 • Corsages and Boutonnieres

Applies wiring and taping skills to construct wearable floral pieces. Attention to weight, durability, and comfort distinguishes professional wearable work.

Lesson 4 • Wiring and Taping Techniques

Introduces pierce, hook, and support wiring methods alongside floral tape application. Wiring enables manipulation of flower heads for corsages and boutonnieres.

Lesson 1 • Reception Table Centerpieces

Teaches low, high, and bud vase centerpiece styles for reception tables. Centerpiece height and density must suit guest sightlines and table dimensions.

Lesson 2 • Wedding Day Logistics

Covers production timelines, delivery scheduling, and on-site setup coordination. Logistics planning ensures all pieces arrive fresh and are placed correctly.

Lesson 3 • Wedding Consultation Process

Teaches how to conduct client consultations, gather briefs, and set expectations. A structured consultation prevents miscommunication and scope creep.

Lesson 4 • Ceremony Floral Installations

Addresses altar arrangements, arch florals, pew ends, and aisle markers. Large-scale ceremony pieces require structural planning and efficient installation.

Lesson 1 • Event Floristry Scope and Scale

Distinguishes event floristry from retail in terms of volume, timeline, and logistics. Understanding scale informs purchasing, staffing, and production planning.

Lesson 2 • Large-Scale Floral Installations

Teaches construction of floral walls, hanging installations, and statement pieces. Large installations require structural engineering and team coordination.

Lesson 3 • Event Breakdown and Sustainability

Addresses post-event flower donation, composting, and material recovery. Sustainable breakdown practices reduce waste and build community goodwill.

Lesson 4 • Corporate and Hospitality Accounts

Covers weekly office arrangements, hotel lobby displays, and restaurant tablescapes. Recurring accounts require consistency, speed, and brand alignment.

Lesson 1 • Supplier and Purchasing Management

Covers wholesale market sourcing, supplier negotiation, and purchase order management. Strong supplier relationships improve quality, availability, and cost control.

Lesson 2 • Financial Tracking and Reporting

Introduces basic bookkeeping, cash flow monitoring, and sales reporting for florists. Financial visibility enables informed purchasing and staffing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Shop Layout and Visual Merchandising

Addresses retail floor planning, display techniques, and impulse purchase zones. Effective merchandising increases average transaction value.

Lesson 4 • Order Management and Workflow

Teaches order intake, production scheduling, and delivery coordination systems. Efficient workflow reduces errors and supports higher order volume.

Lesson 1 • Portfolio Development and Presentation

Guides creation of a professional portfolio showcasing range, skill, and aesthetic. A strong portfolio is the primary sales tool for high-value clients.

Lesson 2 • Developing a Design Aesthetic

Guides students in identifying their visual style through reference gathering and critique. A defined aesthetic differentiates a florist in a competitive market.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Structural Techniques

Covers armature building, suspension, and non-traditional mechanics for complex designs. Structural mastery enables execution of editorial and installation work.

Lesson 4 • Editorial and Conceptual Floristry

Introduces concept-driven design for photo shoots, exhibitions, and competitions. Conceptual work requires translating abstract ideas into tangible floral form.