INTRODUCTION TO FLORAL DESIGN

Jaime Gosnell and Dr. Frank FlandersRevised by Robbie Buchanan May 2007

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office, to accompany lesson 01.466-0.1

WHAT IS A FLORIST?

• A florist is a person or a business dealing with arranging and merchandising flowers and floral products.

FOR WHAT OCCASIONS DO PEOPLE PURCHASE

FLOWERS?

BIRTHDAYS

WEDDINGS

GET WELL, HOSPITAL, ETC…

MOTHER’S DAY

VALENTINE’S DAY

PROMS

FUNERALS

BANQUETS

JUST BECAUSE…

WHAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY

FLORISTS?

CENTERPIECES

GIFTS

POTTED PLANTS

FUNERAL PIECES:WREATHS, SPRAYS, OTHER

ITEMS

NOVELTY ARRANGEMENTS

HOLIDAY WREATHS AND SWAGS

VASE ARRANGEMENTS

HAND-HELD FLOWERS ANDARM BOUQUETS

BALOONS, SILK PLANTS, FLOWERS, ETC…

Types of shops include:

WHOLESALE FLORIST• Link between the grower and the retail

florist

• The wholesaler purchases flowers and supplies from growers and suppliers around the world and sells to local retail shops.

WHOLESALE FLORIST

•Wholesalers also supply plants, giftware, containers etc.

RETAIL FLORIST

• Most retail shops are full service

• A full service shop offers regular and special delivery, set-ups for special events, charge accounts and wire service.

RETAIL FLORIST• A retail florist purchases

materials from wholesale growers, suppliers, and florists and sell directly to customers

• Products and services sold include fresh flowers, blooming plants, balloons, novelty giftware, and silk and dried arrangements.

SPECIALTY RETAIL SHOP – • Targets a specific need in the market by

specializing in one segment of the industry

• These types of shops would specialize in things such as weddings or potted plants.

• Many times they are located adjacent to a business that provides similar services.

CASH AND CARRY SHOPS

• Offer a wide variety of flowers by the stem or bunch.

• Generally do not offer design services.

• Are often located in high traffic areas such as inside a mall or on the street.

Studio Operation

• Concentrates on specialty areas such as party work and weddings

• May operate out of a warehouse or home without a storefront.

• Most sales are made by appointment or at the customer’s home or business.

MASS-MARKET FLORIST

• Located in and associated with other businesses such as groceries and chain stores

• Offer fresh arrangements, potted plants, balloons, flowers and stem, and novelty pieces

• Usually do not offer delivery or custom design• These florists usually depend on unplanned

purchases