24 Principles of Floral Design
Chapter Summary
• Commercial growers cultivate the crops to supply wholesalers with plants, foliage, and cut flowers.
• Wholesale florists purchase in bulk from growers and sell to retail florists.
• Retail florists employ managers, floral designers, salespeople, and delivery people.
• Specialty florists concentrate on one aspect of the floriculture industry to provide in-depth
service to their customers.
• Other floral career opportunities include product development, education, and research.
• Educational opportunities are available in high schools and colleges, through various floral
associations, and organizations such as the FFA.
• Becoming certified in floral design proves to potential employers that you have the
knowledge and skills necessary to do a good job.
• Employability skills can help you get and keep a good job within the floriculture industry.
Review Questions
Answer the following questions using the information provided in this chapter.
1. What is the difference between horticulture and floriculture?
2. Name three facets, or main categories, of careers in floriculture.
3. Explain the function of a wholesale florist.
4. List the four major types of retail florists.
5. What is an entrepreneur?
6. Describe the products sold in a bucket shop.
7. Name at least five duties a retail florist may expect to have on a day-to-day basis.
8. Why are the conduct and appearance of a delivery person important to a floral business?
9. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of being a freelance floral designer.
10. True or False? A caterer may include floral accents on tablescapes or food buffets.
11. Which type of florist typically coordinates an overall look or design based on a suggested
theme for large commercial functions?
12. The type of designer that enhances indoor environments by placing live or artificial plants in
an attractive manner is referred to as a(n) _______ designer.
13. Explain why it is important for a movie set floral designer to have extensive knowledge of the
history of floral design.
14. Explain why it is important for a wedding florist to have good communication skills.
15. Which type of service provides an outlet for florists to target a larger audience than an
individual website might reach?
16. True or False? Positions as a floral design instructor are available both in high schools and in
colleges and universities.
17. True or False? Most research career opportunities are offered by retail florists.
18. True or False? Continuing education is no longer necessary after a floral designer becomes certified.
19. True or False? AIFD certification requires the same steps as AIFD accreditation.
20. True or False? Your employability is a measure of how well you perform at a job interview.
Activities
1. Hold a floral arranging competition among classmates using a surprise package of materials
for all entrants.
2. Hold a mock competition and take turns leading a team of four students.
Go to www.g-wlearning.com/floraldesign/ to use the fill-in-form.