An Introduction to Professional Floristry

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The course materials have been developed by floristry experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The extensive course includes all the required study materials. These include supportive images which demonstrate floristry processes and floral material. You will need to provide your own flowers, floristry tools and a camera to photograph design work – your tutor can advise what is needed. A sketch book is also recommended.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 2. You have 2 years to complete the course.

Lesson 1 – The Florist Shop – setting the scene; prices; staff duties and presentation.

Lesson 2 – From the grower to the shop; stem types; special treatments; special needs.

Lesson 3 – Introduction to learning the nature of the trade. Bouquets; hand tieds.

Lesson 4 – Developing the basics. Costing a design. Shapes, styles, design and balance.

Lesson 5 – Taking a funeral order. Funeral flowers. Wiring. Types of moss. Foliages.

Lesson 6 – Special occasions: wedding anniversaries; birthdays; birth celebrations.

Lesson 7 – Wedding flowers. Preparation and starting from scratch. Designs. Posies.

Lesson 8 – ‘Silks’ and ‘drieds’. Dried grasses. Ribbons and bases. Spices, fruit and herb.

Lesson 9 – Contracts and working outside the shop. Working from a brief. Fresh flowers.

Lesson 10 – Continental influences. Preparing to enter a competition. Cascade/waterfall.

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 2. This course has been designed by The Horticultural Correspondence College to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You do not need previous floristry knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• With further practical experience (eg gained in a local florist shop) once you have successfully completed this course you could:
  • Start your own florist shop or work in a florist shop
  • Be a venue florist, decorating places such as hotels or conference centres for occasions like weddings,  PR events, parties and corporate functions
  • Work in floristry teaching/demonstration
  • Become a buyer, working for either wholesalers or retailers
  • Offer a floristry design service
• If you already have some experience working as a florist, this course would demonstrate your understanding to prospective employers. It would also equip you with the knowledge to set up your own florist business.