Florist

180 Hours / Access Length: 12 months / Delivery: Online, Self-Paced

Course Overview:

In this course, we will learn and apply the principles of floral design, explore the history of floral arranging, and become familiar with the various groups, classifications, and names of flowers and foliage, along with the opportunities in the floral design industry.

Students will:

• Demonstrate and understanding of flower retailing
• Identify the names and types of flowers and foliage
• Describe the features of classic floral design style
• Describe the characteristics of balance, proportion, scale and rhythm
• Describe the characteristics of line, form, space, texture, and fragrance
• Identify various containers, tools and the mechanics for flower design
• Describe the typical shapes of floral arrangements
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic styles and techniques for special occasions and holidays, wearable flowers, and everlasting flowers
• Describe western and oriental classic floral design
• Identify current and leading trends in contemporary floral design
• Identify floral industry flower and foliage crops

Course Outline:

Lesson 1: The Floral Industry

In this lesson, we will discuss the production and harvesting of flowers, flower retailing, and careers and continuing education. Topics will include the harvest, packing, and distribution of flowers, layouts and websites, operational considerations, career opportunities in floral design, and continuing education in floral design.

Lesson 2: Flowers and Foliage

In this lesson, we will become familiar with the names of flowers and leaves, post-harvest physiology and metabolism, and the care, handling, and preservation of flowers and foliage. This will include the nomenclature, metabolism, and care and storing of garden flowers, floral arrangements, and foliage.

Lesson 3: Design Principles and Elements

In this lesson we will introduce topics including style, harmony, unity, and color. We will discuss traditional elements of design and their role in floral arranging as well as the importance of color as a primary element in floral design. We will discuss the importance of balance and proportion in floral design and their impact on the success and aesthetics of a floral arrangement. We will also discuss the use of focal point and rhythm to attract interest and create a pleasing flow to the arrangement. Finally, we will discuss the interrelatedness of line, form, space, and depth in successful floral design. We will also discuss the importance of texture and fragrance in the overall appeal of a design.

Lesson 4: Functional Design

In this lesson, we will discuss the importance of choosing the proper tools and correct container and the significance of putting all the parts of a composition together. We will discuss the various types and styles of containers, materials, and construction techniques. In addition, we will discuss and describe the various design shapes and groups of flowers. We will also discuss and identify how these groups influence design and the two diverse styles that make up modern floral design and shape.

Lesson 5: Basic Styles and Techniques

A large portion of the floral industry's businesses is seasonal and revolves around holidays such as Valentine's Day and Mothers Day. In this lesson we will discuss the use of flowers and floral arrangements as gifts, holiday decor, and expressions of holiday and occasion wishes, along with traditional design choices for these occasions. In this lesson, we will also focus on two aspects of floral design. First, we will become familiar with the various wearable styles of floral design, including corsages, boutonnieres, and other floral accents. In addition, we will discuss how advancements in preservation, along with the dried flower and artificial flower industry.

Lesson 6: Classic Floral Design

In this lesson, we will explore various floral design styles and arrangements from history and past cultures and their influence on today's design. In addition, we will explore the linear, asymmetrical designs of the oriental style, including Japanese influence, Chinese influence, and how these styles impact modern floral design.

Lesson 7: Advanced Design

In this lesson, we will identify and describe contemporary designs that are currently popular, fashionable, and that represent the leading trends in floral design creativity. We will also discuss the role of floral design in weddings and receptions and their impact on business, including floral romance, promotion and advertising, consultations, bouquets, and decorations.

Lesson 8: Floral Industry Crops

In this lesson, we will explore the various types of floral and foliage crops, their names, and pronunciations, as well as their roles in design.

All necessary items are included.

• Cable and DSL internet connections are recommended for the best experience.

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 2 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone (Webinar / Live Online sessions)

• Microsoft Windows 7 or 10 (Home, Pro)
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is denoted in the above course outline.