The art of floristry is becoming increasingly popular. From weddings to Easter bouquets, there is a demand for quality flowers made in fine arrangements to customer specification, or inspired by the florists' own creative flair. While this does seem like positive news for budding florists, some independent retailers are struggling due to the prevalence of convenient internet florists as well as the fact that flowers are readily available at garages, supermarkets, and corner shops.

The florist does more than simply sell flowers. They design and create floral arrangements of bouquets, baskets, wreaths, tributes, and centrepieces. Often using dried and artificial flowers as well as fresh cut, the florist's work is highly artistic. Gifts and celebratory decorations, pot plants and vases can also be found in the florists.

The work of the florist requires an innovative eye for design and good visual imagination that they can easily translate into original floral design. As well as having the creative stimulation for their own flower arrangements, florists must be able to communicate effectively with the client/customer to interpret their requests. There is a great deal of customer care involved alongside caring for the flowers and foliage. Good money is more likely to be made from special order occasions than from passing shop trade.

Is Floristry For Me?

Floristry is a skill that is developed through experience. Your artistic talents must equal your ability to buy and sell and communicate effectively with your customers. If you think you can handle the business side, test your floral skills by taking a flower arranging class.

Unless you yourself aim to start an internet based business, as a florist you will work shop hours that may include your weekend. Over half the florists in the UK work part-time hours; this allows for flexibility but inevitably means less of a wage.

Much of the time will be spent standing serving customers and during the creation of floral arrangements. You will need to be able to be stood on your feet for long periods of time, and capable of lifting heavy deliveries. A driving licence is useful to acquire as you may need to collect stock and make deliveries to customers.

To become a florist you must be able to express yourself creatively and utilise the shape, colour, texture, form and strength of flowers to create innovative floral designs. You will need an understanding of the qualities and care required for the different varieties of plants and flowers, and should be able to convey your ideas effectively to customers. You must be able to establish good lines of communication between yourself and customers so that a working relationship can be formed that is to the benefit and ease of both parties.

The job is heavily practical so you must be able to work with your hands. Tasks will be carried out both independently and with others members of staff so you must be confident in both aspects. You must also be comfortable with the handling of money.

The creative aspect of floristry may make it seem like a fairly relaxed job, but it can be extremely hectic and you must be able to work under pressure. Valentine's Day is probably the busiest time of year, but so are Christmas and Easter. Preparing flowers for a wedding and funeral will also require a great deal of work to be done in a short space of time, and you must have the people skills to be able to deal sensitively with the clients during these times.

The pay for the position of florist varies greatly and will depend heavily upon the location in the UK and the size of the shop. Related positions include:

• Freelance floral design or decoration
• Demonstration
• Teaching

How do I become a Florist?

Generally, people come to floristry straight through employment, and then go on to gain qualifications later. It is possible to take an NVQ or SVQ level 2 and 3. Florists are usually small shops so jobs can be hard to come by. Those aged between 16 -24 may be able to apply for a modern apprenticeship.

Courses in floristry are usually offered by horticultural and agricultural colleges. They are available both full and part time and are set at a variety if levels. Courses available include:

• City & Guilds Certificate in Land-based Studies (Floristry option) - level 1 covering basic practical skills
• City & Guilds Certificate in Design and Craft (flower arranging option) - level 2 concentrating on craft skills and flower design rather than commercial aspects
• City & Guilds National Certificate in Floristry (Professional Floristry) - level 2 covering practical floristry skills
• City & Guilds Advanced National Certificate in Floristry (Professional Floristry) - level 3 covering intermediate knowledge and skills
• BTEC/Edexcel First Diploma - level 2 covering basic knowledge and practical skills
• BTEC/Edexcel National Award in Floristry (Design) or Floristry (Business) - level 3
• BTEC/Edexcel National Certificate/Diploma in Floristry - level 3

It is then possible to go on to:

BTEC/Edexcel Higher National Certificate/Diploma

BTEC/Edexcel Foundation degree

BA (Hons) degree

Further accolades for experienced florists include the Intermediate Certificate of the Society of Floristry (ICSF) which involves a theoretical and practical exam, and the National Diploma of the Society of Floristry (NDSF). The NDSF is the highest achievement in UK floristry, and it has worldwide recognition.