Intro to Floriculture Exploring the International Flower Market

Concept Map!

I. History of Floral Design• A. to properly arrange

flowers so that they become a “work of art”. These guidelines are called principles of design.

• Arrangements are judged by these principles

Basic laws

• fundamentals, truths or methods of operation that have been tested and proven for many centuries.

Concepts of floral design

• Two concepts developed independently of each other.

•Occidental Style – evolved in Egyptian and Middle Eastern Cultures

– further developed by the Europeans

•Oriental Style- began in China later explored by the Japanese

Egyptian Period

• 2800-28BC• arranged separate rows of

different colored flowers in shallow bowls

• feast tables were often decorated with fruits and vegetables neatly piled in low baskets

Egyptian Period

• several flowers were considered sacred, symbolizing Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

• Lotus and Water Lillies were placed in elaborate vases, bowls and jars

Ancient Greeks

• 600-146 BC• Did not arrange flowers in

vases, scattered blossoms on tables and on the streets

• flowers were used to make garland and wreaths worn during special occasions.– Presented as awards to

athletes, statesmen and soldiers.

Ancient Greeks

• the cornucopia (horn or plenty) was filled with fruits and vegetables and placed in an upright position rather than on its side as done today

Romans

• 28 BC - 325 AD• continued the customs of

the Greeks• arrangements and usage

became more elaborate• scatter roses on banquet

tables and on the floor• scarves filled with blossoms

were offered at an altar in Roman Religious Ceremonies

Byzantine Period

• 320-600 AD• arrangements of cut flowers

used again• formal conical designs with

clusters of blossoms at regular intervals

Renaissance• 1400-1600 AD• beautifully documented in

paintings• designs were large, tall, pyramidal,

and symmetrically balanced• flower arrangements were loose,

un-crowded and airy• formal bouquets featured the most

important flower situated centrally, at the top of the bouquet, with other flower heads turned outward.

Renaissance

• flowers were arranged so that they were about twice the height of the container

• intense colors were used to create contrast with the white plastered walls of buildings

Renaissance

• several traditional floral designs of today are styled after renaissance arrangements

Baroque Period

• began as symmetrical, oval shaped designs

• asymmetrical curves in the shape of a crescent or an “s” were adopted later

• an abundance of flower types and colors were used together

• arrangements incorporated a variety of accessories such as figurines and butterflies

Baroque

• the “s” curve and crescent arrangements developed during this period are popular today

Flemish-style• 1600-1750 AD• beautifully captured by Dutch

painters• traditional baroque styles were

refined• refined - not as loose and open• better proportioned and more

compact• Rich colors and an array of

flowers were combined into masses, oval shape bouquets

Flemish style• The French

developed mass arrangements during the same time that were lighter and more airy than those of the Dutch.

• Arrangements were made from delicate flowers in light pastel colors.

Georgian period• 1714-1760 A.D.• Time period that spanned the reigns of

the English kings George I and George II• Arrangements were greatly influenced

by Chinese arts.• Usually symmetrical and triangularly

shaped.• Many featured a single flower type.• Designs moved away from formality and

symmetry in the late part of the period.

Georgian period

• nosegay, or handheld bouquet became stylish

• small nosegay bouquets placed in bowls were the first use of table centerpieces as we know them today.

Georgian period• Georgian art influenced the

decorative arts in Colonial America.

• Fan shaped and triangular arrangements were made and sometimes placed near the center of interest near the rim of the container.

Georgian period• boxwood, ivy, and magnolia were used

with garden flowers in the summer• berries, cones, greens with fruit were

used during the winter along with dried flowers.

Unit Objectives • 1. Describe the scope of the international

flower market in the florist industry.• 2. Explain the international flower distribution

system.• 1. Explain the basic requirements of cut

flowers.• 2. Understand the causes of deterioration and

death of flowers.• 3. Describe the steps of effective conditioning

of flowers and foliage.• 4. Explain the importance of using floral

preservatives.• 5. Learn about commercial packing and

shipping.

Essential Question

• How big is the international market to the cut flower industry?

Warm Up

• Is this Floriculture? Why do you think so?

Floriculture- What is it?• Definition:

– flower gardening: the cultivation of flowering plants

• Think about it again:– Which is floriculture?

Scope of the Industry

• Some numbers to consider– 90% of the carnations, 71% of

the roses, and 89% of the chrysanthemums sold in the US are produced in other countries.

Where does it all come from?

• Flowers often produced in:– Hydroponic greenhouses

•flowers are grown in a nutrient rich water solution versus soil

• Netherlands & Columbia – Leading growing countries– Grown outside – Labor in other countries if

often cheaper than US

What’s in the US?

• Domestic Market:– Product made and sold within

the country– On the decline

• Air travel has allowed for international market – International Flower Auction in

Aalsmeer, Netherlands

International Distribution

• Internet– Retail can order direct from

grower in Columbia etc

• Getting into the US– Flowers must come through

customers– U.S. Customs Department

•part of the government that imposes international tariffs ($) on products produced outside the United States

Where do some flowerscome from?

Possiblities

• Carnations from Columbia + roses from Israel + tropical flowers from Hawaii = Flown to flower auctions in Holland

• How does this happen?• Exporters: companies that

ship products to companies in other countries.

• Mass Market: setting where the general public can acquire particular goods.

How does the Mass market work?• Field workers in Columbia will cut flowers

in the fields early in the morning; The flowers will arrive at the auction the same day. The next day a buyer will purchase the flowers and ship them to, for example, Chicago, where they will arrive at a wholesaler’s facility and be conditioned. They will be shipped to a retail florist the next day. Often a wholesaler will purchase direct from a grower, eliminating one full day and allowing the florist to obtain the product a day earlier. The wholesaler of today sells to retail florists, garden centers, other retail outlets,and the mass market.

• Draw a representation of the flow of Flower products

Activity

• Review Quiz 1

Intro to Floriculture Caring for Cut Flowers

Essential Question

• When a flower is cut, what are its needs?

Warm Up

• These flowers were sent from an online ordering service. How are they cared for while they travel? How are they cared for when they arrive?

Fresh cut flower requirements

• Even after being cut: flowers still photosynthesize

• Requirements– 1. High Water Quality

•Keep turgid levels up•Not too acidic or alkaline•Not too hard or soft•Low salinity: measurement of the

total dissolved salt

Fresh cut flower requirements continued…

• 2. Food and Sugar– Sucrose and Dextrose– From stored sugar or floral

preservatives

• 3. Healthy Environment– Fresh air, no ethylene– Conditioning: prep of materials

for arranging by allowing adequate solution uptake

– Warm water! = increases uptake– Re-cut flowers and defoliate

below the water line– Hardening: full of water after

conditioning

• After all this, plants are placed in coolers

Fresh cut flower requirements continued…

Fresh cut flower requirements continued…

• 4. Sanitation:– Provides long lasting flowers– Keep Hands, tools, knives,

shears, containers and work areas CLEAN!

– Clean on a regular basis

Deterioration and Death

• Deterioration begins as soon as the flower is cut!– Humans must provide the

needs!•Senescence

Causes of Deterioration

• 1. Genetic Life – Each flower is pre-programmed – Want to achieve maximum life!

• Flower Life Span– Daylily 1 day– Dutch Iris 3–5 days– Rose 5–7 days– Carnations 10–14 days– Chrysanthemums 14–21 days

Causes of Deterioration

• 2. Wilting– excessive water loss or lack of

absorption• Blocked vascular tissue

– Transpiration and Respiration• Water loss process of plant• Avoid drafts and over handling

– Stem Blockage• Most common cause• No water movement and can occur

Causes of Deterioration

• 3.Timing of Harvest– Time of Day

•Never cut in heat of the day– Cut – Evening

» Done photosynthesizing for the day

– Early morning» Full of water

– Stage of Flowering• Just before flower is fully open

Causes of Deterioration

• 4.Ethylene Gas– Naturally produced by aging plants– Signs

• fallen petals, dropped florets, and yellowing leaves

– Avoided by using ethylene inhibitors• products that block or tie up the gas.

• 5. Disease/Damage– Flowers chosen should be of

highest quality – Free of insect damage

Maximize Vase Life

• A. Flowers should be unpacked and inspected upon receiving. A report should be made to the wholesaler of any problems or mistakes.

• B. Prioritize the order of processing; wilt-prone and expensive flowers should be processed first.

• C. Remove sleeves, ties and any foliage that might contact water in a container.

Maximize Vase Life

• D. Under warm water, re-cut all stems, removing ½ inch to 1 inch. Professional underwater cutting devices are recommended in order to maximize life span.

• E. Use specific treatment solutions as needed.

• F. Place in floral preservative solution mixed at the proper concentration. Too little encourages bacterial growth, too much can cause toxicity.

Maximize Vase Life

• G. Let the flowers remain at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours to increase water uptake.

• H. Place the flowers in a cooler set at 34 to 38°F with a high humidity level and constant light.

Maximize Vase Life

• I. Milky stems should be treated by quickly dipping them in boiling water for five seconds and then placing them in a floral preservative solution. Alternative methods include exposing the cut end into a match flame without burning it or placing it in very warm floral preservative solution.

• J. Roses that have lost turgidity near the flower head are called bent necks. They can be revived by placing the stems in a warm preservative solution and recutting them under water.

Floral Preservatives

• Extend the life of cut flowers– sugar as a supplemental food

source– acidifier to decrease the chance of

stem clogging– bactericide to kill bacteria in a

vase or stem

• Pre-treatments– Used before preservatives– Reduce ethylene exposure– Hydrate flowers that are wilt prone

Field to Florist

• Flowers are graded– separated into groups based

on factors such as quality, uniformity, and size, stem quality, length, and strength.

• Bundled and sleeved for shipping and boxed– Precooled / Drypacked

•quickly replacing the warm air with cool air inside the box

Activities

• Review Quiz 2

Intro to Floriculture Exploring Floral Design

Essential Question

• What elements are important in floral design?

Warm Up

• What makes this floral arrangement “pretty” ?

Floral Design / Floral Arranging

• The art of organizing the design elements inherent in plant materials and accessories according to principles of design art

Principles of Design • rules and guidelines used by the

floral designer to create a beautiful composition

Principles : Major• A. Proportion is the pleasing relationship

between size and shape among objects and parts of objects.

• B. Balance in a flower arrangement refers to the arrangement’s equilibrium and equality in weight, both physical and visual.

• C. Rhythm is the orderly organization of a design elements to create a visual pathway.

• D. Dominance in a design means that one design element is more prevalent or noticeable, thereby capturing interest of the viewer.

Principles: Minor• E. Radiation is the design element that makes it

look as if all stems are coming from one point.• F. Repetition is repeating the use of floral

design elements to create unity in the work.• G. Transition is the smooth gradual change

from one material or element to another.• H. Variation is the diverse assortment of

materials, stimulating interest.• I. Contrast describes objects arranged with a

striking difference, stimulating interest.• J. Focal point is the center of interest of the

design, visually tying it together.

Proportion

• Consider where it will be displayed• Height of an arrangement should be

1½ times the height of its container’s greatest dimension– 4 main areas of focus

•1. Physical dimensions of the container•2. Its color•3. Its material and texture•4. Its shape

– Centerpieces: should never obstruct views

Balance

• Meaning design equilibrium or equality in weight– Physical: actual stability of plant

materials within the container– Visual: the perception of the

arrangement being balanced•Symmetrical: same physical balance on

both sides of its central axis•Asymmetrical: present when a design has

unequal material placements and weight on each side of its axis

Achieving Balance • Visual weight is a flower’s

perceived lightness or heaviness based on its color, shape, and pattern.

• Centering is the technique of placing dominant plant material along a design’s central vertical axis.

• Counterbalancing means balancing plant materials on one side of a design with visually equal materials on the opposite side.

Rhythm

• Regular, repeated rhythm is present when materials are repeated at regular intervals from the top to the bottom of an arrangement.

• Free, variable rhythm is an unstructured style with subtle flowing movements created with unstructured materials

Rhythm Techniques• A. Radiation—Stems radiate

out naturally from the container. A top view shows the stems appearing as spokes on a wheel. Crossing stems is avoided.

• B. Repetition—Repeating design elements throughout an arrangement including, but not limited to, color, shape, space and lines.

Rhythm Techniques Contin…• C. Transition—Change from one

material to another. It should be smooth and gradual. Lighter flowers near the container edge blend into the heavier ones near the center.

• D. Variety—Diverse assortment or differing components in a design. Variety focuses attention and stimulates interest and imagination.

• E. Contrast —Describes objects that have striking differences beyond mere variety or diversity, taking variety to a higher degree.

Dominance• Dominance can be achieved by:

– 1. Using dominant plant material– 2. Using an emphasized design

element– 3. Using a distinct style of design– 4. Using a theme– 5. Using a focal point

• Focal Point: center of interest , arrangements need this!

Focal Point Creation• 1. Use of large flowers• 2. Use of special form flowers

such as orchids• 3. Employing dark shades• 4. Variation of concentration of

plant material• 5. Use of framing materials• 6. Use of strong color contrast• 7. Radiation of plant materials to

a particular area• 8. Use of accessories

Activities

• Review Quiz 3

Intro to Floriculture Understanding Design Elements

Essential Question

• How does color influence floral design?

Warm Up

• What types of themes do you see in this arrangement?

Floral Arrangements

• Flowers, Greenery, Container

• Design Elements:– Physical characteristics that

the designer uses to create the arrangements

– Shape – 2 dimensional– Form -3 dimensional

•Naturalistic, Free Form, Geometric

Floral Forms

• Naturalistic – mirror the natural growth of

plant material– branches to symbolize trees

and shorter flowers as undergrowth.

Floral Forms

• Free Form– more contemporary– any liberty with color,

shape, and placement

Floral Form

• Geometric – circle and the triangle– can be varied to create ovals,

fans, or crescent arrangements from the circle and right triangles, scalene triangles and isosceles triangles from the basic triangle

All Forms

• Created with Lines– visual movement between two

points in an arrangement

• Use Line materials– used to create very definite

vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curvilinear lines

– Examples: snapdragon, liatris, and scotch broom

Form Flowers • Form Flowers: distinctive

shapes like lilies or tropical flowers

• Mass Flowers: round, solid flowers like carnations and mums

• Filler Flowers: light, airy flowers like baby’s breath and sea lavender that fill in the space between other flowers

Space and Depth

• Space: – Areas that are devoid of

flowers

• Depth – gives the arrangement more of

a three dimensional form than just a shape.

• Adds interest and character, makes arrangement appear larger with less material,

Texture

• Refers to the surface quality of the plant material.

• Plant Material– rough, smooth, leathery,

velvety, satiny, or hairy– fine or airy, lacy, delicate, or

bold and coarse.

Color Wheel Copy this color wheel onto a separate piece of paper. Include Primary Colors, Secondary Colors, and Tertiary Colors. More color concepts will be added later.

Colors Importance

• Colors create and influence emotion

• Monochromatic– Variations of 1 color– Red: deep red, maroon, pale pinks, and

hot pinks

• Polychromatic: – Various colors

• Analogous:– Using colors next to each other on the

color wheel

• Complimentary:– Use colors opposite each other on the

color wheel

Color Wheel

• Add Monochromatic, Polychromatic, Complimentary and Analogous color schemes to your color wheel.

Visual Color

• Advancing color: moves towards the viewer– Yellow

• Receding color: moves away from the viewer – Purple

Activity

• Review Quiz 4

Intro to Floriculture Designing Basic Floral Work

Essential Question

• Why is floral foam so useful in arrangements?

Warm Up

• What could be done to improve this arrangement?

Tools- Cutting Tools

• Knives: pocket knife (folds away when not in use), keep sharp for best results, could produce injuries

• Florist Shears: cutting tool with short, serrated edges designed for cutting thick or woody stems and flowers that have been wired.

Tools: Cutting Tools

• Pruning Shears: used in the landscaping area to cut branches from a tree or shrub.– Good for evergreens at

Christmas

• Scissors: cutting both ribbon and floral stems. Utility and fabric scissors

Tools: Supplies • Floral Foam (Oasis): porous, holds

water, used wet or dry, comes in a brick – Soak for 30 minutes in water with

preservative before use with fresh flowers– Foam Rules

•Leave ½” above container for stability•Foam can be wrapped•Leave space for water later! •Anchor to container

– Hot glue (disposal container)– Water proof double sided tape– Anchor pins, used with clay at bottom of container

Other Anchors • Needlepoint/Pincushion holder:

attached to container with floral clay

• Chicken Wire: good for heavy branches

• Greening Pin: ‘s’ top ‘hairpin’, keeps foliage in place

• Water tubes: plastic tubes with rubber tops and holes to put fresh flowers in, potted arrangements

• Hyacinth Pins: green wooden stakes that offer support for heavy flowers

Vase Arrangements

• Originated in Italy• Bud Vase: most commonly

ordered– Often hard to make for

beginners– Avoid holes by:

•Foliage grid: place greenery in a circle to create natural framework

•Tape Grid: place tape at 90 degree angles to make framework

•Marble: placed at the bottom of the vase provide support

Geometric Design

• Visualize your shape– Set the height, add width,

contour•Contour: three dimensional

radiation in an arrangement

• Remember: Tall flowers in the back and work forward!

• Vertical: Linear arrangement• Triangular: Popular!

Weddings• Circular: Used commercially

Floral Design Review

Triangular

Naturalistic Design

• Draws on nature and gardening for inspiration

• Grouping: placing flowers and foliage in units as if they were naturally growing there

• Often use baskets• Sheet moss/ Spanish moss

often used • Fake birds, insects etc used

to accent

Foiling

• Decorating floral pots • Types

– Lightweight: not as resistant to tearing and water damage. It is colored on one side and silver on the other.

– Poly Foil: polyethylene added to the silver side, more resistant to tearing

Activity

• Review Quiz 5

Intro to Floriculture Designing Centerpieces

Essential Question

• What is one important piece of information when taking a centerpiece order?

Warm Up

• What holiday could this be used for?

Centerpieces

• Since the 18th Century !• Started low, now come in

varying heights• Centerpieces throughout a

room coordinate

Typical Centerpieces • Bud Vases- one to three

flowers, small, multiples on a long table

• Small Vase- ratio of 1 to 1 flowers, more emphasis on flowers

• Round centerpieces- round and square tables, low and round, looks the same from any point

Typical Centerpieces• Oval Centerpieces- oval or

rectangle tables, outline may be triangular or rounded

• Conical centerpieces- cone shaped, three dimensional

• Tall Centerpieces- add dimension to a room, room appears smaller

Centerpiece Accessories

• Add atmosphere and interest

• Create harmony• Examples: Candle with

holder, fruit, ribbons

Taking a Centerpiece Order• 1. When is the event, date, time, and how much

time is needed to set up?• 2. Where is the location and what is the size of the

room?• 3. What is the style of the room?• 4. What are the room colors, and what are the

colors associated with the event or event sponsor?• 5. What is the preferred style of the event (formal,

informal, casual, contemporary, elegant)?• 6. How many tables will need centerpieces and

what are the shapes and sizes of the tables?• 7. How many additional floral designs will be

needed?• 8. What is the budget for flowers?• 9. What is the “feel” for the event?

Flowers and Holidays• Valentines Day: Roses,

Baby’s Breath, Red and White Carnations, Plush Animals chocolates

• St. Patrick’s: Green tinted carnations, shamrocks

• Easter: Spiritual/Whimsical, pastel/vibrant colors

• Mother’s Day: Spring type flowers

Flowers and Holidays

• Halloween: fall colors, pumpkins, cornucopia. Fastest growing holiday for arrangements

• Thanksgiving: Analogous colors, cornucopia, Raffia (palm material)

• Christmas: real and artificial, votive candles, wreaths

Activity• Step 1:Practice with a partner

– Taking a floral arrangement order

• Step 2: How can we streamline this process?– Think of a process that would

make ordering a centerpiece quicker, easier

• Step 3: How can we improve the experience?– Are their other questions you

could add to the process to make ordering more accurate?

Activity

• Review Quiz 6

Work to Check In

• Review Quiz 1-6 ?• Book Work Unit 49? • Floral Design with prompt?• Color Wheel with keys?

Test Review • Vocabulary: Repetition, Focal point,

Radiation, Balance, Contrast, Proportion, Dominance, Transition, Rhythm, Variation, Naturalistic, Free Form, Geometric (design)

• What are the main color schemes that can be used in floral design?

• Describe the international market of cut flowers from the producer to the retail florist

• What are the 5 main causes of deterioration?

• What are the main requirements of fresh cut flowers?

• Represent the 3 types of triangular designs. • What is floral foam? What are the “rules”

for it s use?