16 Principles of Floral Design
Training and Education in Floriculture
Through the years, many skills in all aspects of
the fl oriculture industry were learned on the job. fl
Often different parts of a family business were passed
on from generation to generation. The skills of a
particular greenhouse, wholesale, or retail employee
were developed by years of observation and hands-on
applications, often without any formal higher education.
Today, education and on-the-job training are both
necessities for successful employment in the floriculture fl
industry. Career education has become more available,
and there are now many outlets for students to develop
their skills. Students can begin to get an understanding
of fl oral design and related careers at the high school fl
level, Figure 1-16.
Beyond high school, programs in fl oral design are fl
offered at the junior and community college level with
an associate’s degree or certificate of completion. Basic fi
principles are strengthened with an in-depth view
into areas of focus, such as bridal designs or sympathy
designs. At the four-year university level, students can
receive a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the structure
of curriculum set up by the university, a degree may
be available in fi ne arts (bachelor of fine fi arts, or B.F.A.) fi
or in fl oral design itself. Because floral fl design is a fl
hands-on occupation, both practical and theoretical
coursework is required.
Exhibitions and Competitions
One of the best ways to become a better designer is through practice.
Showing your work in exhibitions provides you with an opportunity to
practice, design, compose, and produce arrangements that help you grow and
refi your skills. Participating in exhibitions also offers you the opportunity fine
to analyze your own design skills as well as those of your peers. As you study
designs from professionals or peers, you are evaluating designs and forming
precise conclusions about formal qualities, intent, meaning, and historical and
cultural infl The criteria upon which designs are judged may vary slightly fluences.
between competitions, but they are all based on the basic design principles of
fl oral design which are covered in detail in Chapter 6, fl Principles of Design.
Membership in the FFA is a great way to begin competing in floriculture fl
competitions. High school FFA students can participate in individual and
team events referred to as career development events (CDEs). Participation
in CDEs provides opportunities for self-assessment and strengthens the
skills of all club members. The CDE competition includes testing of student
knowledge in all aspects of ornamental horticulture, including growing and
harvesting, shipping and packaging, salesmanship skills, job interview skills,
Iryna Dzvonkovska/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1-16. High school and college classes offer
a foundation in design principles for floral design fl
and other creative uses.