What is Floristry?

"Little flower, but if I could understand, what you are, root and all, all in all, I should know what God and man is." - Alfred Tennyson, Flower in the crannied wall

Flowers are one of the most beautiful creations of God, loved and adored by human beings since time immemorial. They have always been used to express love and affection, to celebrate festivals, to offer prayers to God, as well as to pay tribute to the deceased.

As if the flower in itself was not the epitome of beauty, along came the art of floristry, that uses flowers to further beautify the surroundings.

The term floristry collectively refers to the art of creating floral designs using flowers, foliage, herbs, and ornamental grass by arranging them in flower vases, baskets, bouquets, and so on

It also refers to the activity of cultivating plants and creating floral designs that are then sold at florist shops. It is actually being reckoned as a very successful business due to the increased importance of flowers at lavish weddings, anniversary and birthday parties, and other special occasions as well as funeral services.

Almost every country or region will have their own unique style of floristry. However there are some styles that are very popular across the globe.

This style of flower arrangement is a traditional and distinctive style of floristry which is being practiced in Japan since more than 600 years and is said to have been developed from Buddhist rituals. It is based on the layout of twigs and/or leaves filled in with relatively less number of flowers.

The container and the structure of arrangement of flowers are of prime importance here. The flowers are always arranged in a scalene triangle, wherein the three main points symbolize heaven, earth, and man.

This is a form of indoor art that involves display of Korean flowers in Joseon Dynasty whiteware. The arrangement of the flowers and tree branches is very graceful and does not look forced or artificial.

The high style of floral arrangement has its origins in the United States. This style includes minimal number of flowers. The popular flowers used in this style are tropical flowers including Birds of Paradise, Anthuriums, and Carnations.

Traditionally an English form of flower arrangement, that has evolved to include many European influences as well, this style is always low mound, where the arrangement is all-sided. Flowers like baby's breath, carnations, and leatherleaf are avoided.

Having a basic understanding of design elements is essential if you wish to pursue this art. Love for flowers, and good imagination and visualization skills with a knack for color combinations, and retail skills would be of great help. Being skilled at cutting flowers, leaves, and branches to create beautiful flower arrangements is an added advantage. Sound knowledge of the styles of flower arrangements will be helpful, too.

A number of universities offer professional floristry courses. In case you are looking for a short term learning experience, there are various workshops conducted that can help you pursue a career in the same.

If you wish to start a floristry business, you need to plan your budget according to the type of arrangements you will be doing, the flowers you will be using (whether you will be cultivating flowers or buying them from someone else), the clients you will be targeting, and the location of your flower shop, as well.

Nowadays, there are online florist shops that offer the customers the convenience of ordering flowers from home. Floristry is a growing business with the ever-increasing amounts of money people are willing to spend for flowers.