Source: Proffesional FLORISTRY techniques by Malcolm Ashwell & Sally Pearson
It would be difficult, not to say foolhardy, to try to produce a definitive set of rules for the right way to make a piece of floristry work. So much depends on personal choice and preference, whether it be for a certain colour, flower or style. This must invariably influence a person's perception and appreciation of something as ephemeral as a display of flowers. Scent and even certain combinations of flowers can trigger emotional responses or memories which also affect a person's reaction to a particular piece of work.
Practial guidelines, however, are needed on construction techniques, whether it be something as simple as a buttonhole flower or the decoration of a church or marquee with many large displays. This nuts and bolts knowledge is individual as a starting point. Many good cooks use a recipe to begin with and then adapt and modify it to their individual. The opportunity to express personal style and individuality within floristry work makes it such enjoyable and challenging field to work in. As with any learning process, however, the basic fundamental knowledge must be fully assimilated before experimentation can take place.
Floristry students embarking on a course of training face an ongoing conflict of opinions. On the one hand they are keen to try out their own ideas on pieces of work, but at the same time they must adhere to a clear set of criteria in order for their work to be assessed. It is only after the basic rules are understood and can easily be put into practice that experimentation can effectively take place.
Professional florists are often asked to make a piece of work which is very different from or opposite their own taste. This can be difficult to deal with as most practical floristry work relies heavily on the individual's own skills and abilities, which in turn are based on their own definite ideas and preferences. Guidance and advice should be offered, but it is the customer's request which must always be interpreted in a considerate and thoughtful way.
Floristry and its associated sunjects form a vast area of study, Many new plant varieties, techniques and sundries are constantly being introduced, which enable the florist to experiment and develop skills and techniques all the time. Nobody can say, ' I know all there is to know', as we are learning all the time at whatever level of skills we have achieved.
We are going to explain the widely recognised and practised basic techniques and styles of floristry work. It should be thought of as a beginner's guide to how to make a wide range of commercial floristry items which are acceptable within the trade and within teaching and training establishments today.
Above all, personal development and individuality should always be encouraged. In a world which seems to demand uniformity and mediocrity in nearly everything we do, floristry or working with flowers and plants provides us with an ideal opportunity to be different and to create something individual and unique.....
Chapter 1: BUYING, CARE and CONDITIONING and STORAGE of FRESH PLANT MATERIAL
Chapter 2: COLOUR
Chapter 3: PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Chapter 4: CONSTRUCTION AND WIRING TECHNIQUES