Floral Arrangements Guide

Unlike most creative arts, floral arrangement has the advantage of natural, not man-made material.

In all the centuries of mankind we have been unable to reproduce the thrilling combination of soft texture, graceful lines, radiant color and delicate scent found in a single rose.

Science has, however, greatly advanced the planting of garden flowers by constant research and experiment.

History shows us that as far back as 562 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon designed the beauti­ful "Hanging Gardens" for his wife, Amytis. They are one of the "Seven wonders of the world."

Today we see about us our own lovely gardens, some formal, some informal, designed to enclose our homes in an aura of enchantment.

The desire to bring some of this beauty into our homes gave birth to the art of flower arrangement, which is by no means a new one.

The Japanese people used it centuries ago in their daily life and re­ligion. There it is called "Ikebana" and is an art for all of us.

All we need is the appreciation of beauty and a few flower arrangement implements.

The fields, woods, brookbanks, gardens, and of course your local flower shop are abun­dant with the many varieties of plant materials used in flower arrange­ment.

As you page through this site, you will find that it tells in simple copy and illustrations, just what you want to know about your new hobby.

The possibilities of Floral Arrangements are unlimited.

Donald Trosper, Author

Florist - a Career in Floristry
Fay Chamoun
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Being a florist can be a very exciting and challenging career. Many people of all ages, from other working backgrounds are being retrained and entering the floristry industry.

If you are considering a career in floristry, you should enjoy working with flowers and be willing to learn all aspects of the floristry profession. You will need to be able to arrange flowers in an attractive manner and be a reasonably quick worker.

In our Floristry Diploma Course we teach you how to create floral designs for all types of occasions.

As a florist is dealing closely with the public, you should have a genuine liking for people, and have a pleasant and helpful manner.

Flowers touch the emotions of other peoples' lives. Customers ordering funeral tributes are often relatives or close friends of the deceased and may be emotionally upset. As a florist, you will need to be sympathetic and understanding.

A florist has the pleasure of helping a bride-to-be select just the right flowers and type of bridal bouquet for the most important day of her life - her wedding day.

The florist shares the joy and excitment when a proud new father comes in to order flowers for his wife in hospital.

Floristry is not all glamour. There is a lot of hard work and long hours involved. The duties in a florist shop will include:-

Unpacking stock as it comes into the florist shop

Conditioning flowers and watering plants

Pricing merchandise and displaying it attractively

Attending to customers

Answering the telephone

Completing orders and making up designs for the shop

Making sure the florist shop is clean and tidy

Keeping book work up to date

Changing the shop window display

Working in a Florist Shop

You will need to be able to work efficiently. A typical day in a florist shop could include ten wreaths for an early morning funeral, several arrangements and posies. Often a posy or a sheaf of flowers will need to be made up while the customer waits.

A good employee has common sense, a positive attitude, is honest and a willing worker who sees what needs doing and does it in a cheerful and efficient manner.

An employer will appreciate a capable trustworthy employee who has the employer's interest at heart and will co-operate and help with any duties involved in the running of the floristry business.

Applying for a Position in a Florist Shop.

You should present yourself favourably, be well groomed, polite and have an enthusiastic manner. If you have any references from previous positions, report cards or personal references, take these with you. You may like to take samples or photographs of your floral designs with you. Naturally, any photographs or samples should be of a high standard with the flowers arranged attractively and colours blended tastefully. Any wiring and taping should be neatly done.

The florist may ask you to make up an arrangement, posy or a sheaf. You will be expected to choose suitable flowers and foliage in colours which blend well together and make up a professional looking design in a reasonable amount of time (approximately 15-20 minutes for a standard arrangement). Do not worry if you are a bit nervous. Florists are usually understanding people and will make allowances for this. It is far better to be a little nervous rather than have an over confident and know it all manner.

A few years ago a position was advertised for a junior in a very busy florist shop in a leading shopping centre in Melbourne. There were over forty applicants, but one of our students was successful because she could show the florist she was capable of creating attractive floral designs.

After the interview is over thank the employer for seeing you, and if the position offered appeals to you, you could say I am very impressed with your shop or I would really like the opportunity of working for you. An employer would much rather employ a person who really wants the position in preference to someone who is indifferent.

OWNING YOUR OWN FLORIST SHOP.

Many people find the idea of going into business for themselves very tempting. You may want to open your own florist shop, but you should be fully aware of all the facts before you make a decision to start up or buy into a business.

HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT TYPE OF PERSON TO GO INTO A FLORIST BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF.

Advantages

You will have a feeling of fulfilment of being involved in such a creative industry such as floristry.

If you run a successful florist business it can be far more rewarding financially than working for wages.

There is a feeling of security in owning your own successful florist business.

You will find running your own florist shop is never dull. You will never know what each day will bring. Working for yourself is far more exciting than going to work in an often dull routine job.

You will meet some very interesting people through dealing directly with the public. This can often develop into lasting friendships. You will be providing a real service to your customers. The skilled florist is always appreciated and will have a secure life-long career.

Disadvantages (You will find it helpful if you do this questionnaire)

As Floristry is a lot of hard work and often long hours are involved, do you have the necessary health and energy to run a business? Yes / No

Do you have enough money to start a florist business? Do you have another source of borrowing money if necessary? Sometimes you will need to inject extra funds into the businessYes / No

Are you self motivated and have enough discipline to be able to organise yourself to see what the most important tasks are and to see each one is carried out?Yes / No

Are you a reasonably quick worker? Yes / No

When a problem arises, are you the type of person who can come up with a solution?Yes / No

If you have a family, do you have someone you can rely on to help with the children?Yes / No

To stand a good chance in a floristry business you should honestly be able to answer Yes to all the above questions.

How successful you are in Floristry, as in anything in life, will depend on how much time and effort YOU are prepared to put into it.

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Floral Decorations

Floral Design Tapestry with Red Background for only $49.97 Thread by thread, stitch by stitch, an abundant floral arrangement comes to life on this dark red tapestry. You'll love the exquisite details of irises, roses, tulips, and the vase beneath them. All you need is a hanging rod and a bare wall. Floral Art Design for all Occasions Floral Art Design for all occasions. We offer a personal approach to floral arrangement. Flowers for all occasions at a price you can afford. V-Flowers will delight in supplying all your floral needs. Whether its for business for a special anniversary for your wedding or simply a floral tribute. Www.V-Flowers.Com Synthetic plant and floral supports shaped like natural twigs The objective is to produce height adjustable plant & floral supports that require no fasteners, do not harm the plant, appear to be a natural part of the plant, enhance the look of the plant and/or floral arrangement and are made of a plastic material which is resistant to weather,... Apple Blossom the State Flower of Arkansas The apple blossom is the state flower of Arkansas. Apple Blossom are not commonly available from most florists. If you need a floral arrangement with Apple Blossom you need to give your florist plenty of lead time. Read more about apple blossoms, the state flower of Arkansas. History of Ikebana Floral Arrangement Ikebana has been practiced for over 1400 years! This long history gives this floral art a richness and elegance that many people can appreciate. Until the mid 1400's the iIkebana art was restricted to royalty. During this period common people were encouraged to learn and use this style of floral arrangment. The ikebana style of floral arrangment emphasises simplicity and use of common items. This makes it a good way to begin floral arrangment as a hobby.   Floral Arrangement Course - Basic Always have an interest in flowers?  See how easy it is to arrange flowers with our easy-to-follow steps and  hands-on courses for beginners.  After this course, you will be able to send hand bouquets, fruit baskets etc to your relatives and friends.  Please call Novel Floral 6449 3695 for enquiries....

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