Are you up to date with methods of floristry production?
Written by Gregory Milner
Varied methods of construction
There are a number of methods of construction a florist may choose to use when making an item depending on the time of the year, flower condition and water source for flowers. Sometimes a florist knows one method if they were taught by one florist only or outside of formal training. This limits their knowledge. It is always interesting when a group of florists are together or on a social media forum discussing methods of construction as there are usually many variations in construction methods and much discussion and interest takes place. Unfortunately, social media such as Pinterest, often has methods that are dated or not even realistic to a professional industry. It is often someones ideas without sufficient knowledge .The question is often asked ‘what if”? and usually there is not an answer. A well-trained professional florist/designer will keep an open mind to continue learning and observe new sundry products and how to best use these professionally in in the most cost effective way.
Floristry continues to change with trends
One of the problems even with a well-trained florist is the industry continues to change and methods can also become dated. The European trend to fully wired wedding bouquets will leave many in doubt today as it is nearly three decades since these were staple wedding items in construction. I am fortunate enough to travel overseas at least twice each year observing products and methods florists use and the introduction of new methods to meet changing sundries and new flower varieties. To this end I have written another book titled “The Skill of Flower Arranging” and it shows methods from the most traditional base to up to date methods and the reasons for their use. This is the largest book I have written and it has been condensed to just under six hundred pages. This book works well with “Fresh Cut Flower” and “Flowers” as these two editions of mine show how to prepare flowers for use and how to identify freshness in cut flowers. It contains knowledge that every florist should know. Combine this with “The Skill of flower Arranging” as this book shows how every possible item that may be requested in floristry is constructed. Varied methods identify why a florist should choose one method over another.
A new book shows all methods of construction
In conjunction with this new book, which will be released in March, I will post methods through social media with video clips outlining methods that are stated and shown with hundreds of photographs through the book. The book has eight chapters from the colour identification, elements and principles of design, basic flower care, general wiring techniques for any form of construction including wire support and the floristry chapters follow Hand Tied designs, Base medium designs (incorporating bio-degradable foam use), Wedding designs and finally, Funeral designs.
Colour use
I often find it interesting that many florists do not have knowledge of the colour wheel yet they use colour everyday in commercial floristry. If you talk with a hairdresser you will find they have a solid understanding of the colour wheel and its practical uses. They also use colour everyday. An interior designer also has a solid knowledge of the use of colour. Why are florists not informed about colour. Some feel it is a natural instinct but clearly knowledge is power and aids the professional. This new book has a chapter on this subject that is easy to follow.
Advanced floristry
I have written the floristry chapters ranging from the most basic aspects of floral construction right through to advanced floristry. It is a journey of discovery linking one item to another as you advance through the book. For the experienced florist the index will act as a prompt for specialized items. For example, a bride requiring a tiara of flowers. This item can be wired or glued and there are several methods of construction that may be used depending on the bride’s hairstyle and the size of the tiara recommended. Suitability of flowers is also discussed and whether a tiara should be front facing or backed, especially if veiling is removed. Decorating venues and requirements are discussed and shown. This could involve arbours, chair decorations, table centres (tall or short) table garlands, ceiling installations, wall installations of flowers and the list continues. The construction of Melias is shown with many floral combinations. This adds to a floral designers’ skill level.
Meeting floral designers needs
This is the most comprehensive book I have written and meets the needs of floral designers’ in every possible way. This book contains the full amount of content that the industry needs. There is nothing as comprehensive available to the industry in Australia.
Many floral designers described my first, second and third books as their “bible”. Those books were focussed on particular aspects of floristry construction. This book covers the entire field. I sincerely trust this book will be the ultimate and complete bible for florists and floral designers to use.
Pre-Order now for only $79.95 (Available April 2020):
The Skill of Flower Arranging will be available in a beautifully presented large hardcover book at leading sundry houses and bookshops at the recommended retail price of $79.95. The publishers are Woodslane Press, NSW.
This article was published in Flowers Magazine Australia for the Feb/March edition in 2020.
