Floristry

Floristry

Floristry is the general term used to describe production, commerce and trade in flowers. It encompasses flower care, treatment or handling, floral design or arrangement, merchandising, display and flower delivery. Wholesale florists sell bulk or majority of flowers and related supplies to professionals in the trade. Retail florists offer fresh flowers and related products and services to consumers.

It is more broadly relates to the cultivation of flowers and plants so they will remain fresh as long as possible, and would be desirable for purchase, which also involves knowledge of customers' requirements and expectations. Ability to create a variety of floral designs such as wreaths, bouquets, corsages, boutonnières/'buttonholes', permanent arrangements and other more complicated arrangements is also important.

Floral Arts is the art of creating flower arrangements and embellishments in vases, bowls, trays, pots, baskets and other containers. They can be organized by making bouquets, bunch and compositions or arrangements from cut flowers, foliages, herbs, ornamental grasses, Iris leaves, bear grass, phormium, floral clay, waterproof tape, bamboos, natural branches and other plant materials.

In a common term it can refer to the gardening of flowers as well as their arrangement, and to the business of selling them. For the floristry trade much of the raw material supplied comes from the cut flower industry. Florist shops, along with online stores are the main flower-only outlets, but supermarkets, garden supply stores and filling stations also sell flowers.

The flowers sold in florist shops typically represent the varieties abundantly available in the season but also include blossoms flown in from around the world. In temperate latitudes basic varieties comprise roses, tulips, irises, orchids and lilies. Fashion sometimes plays a role in floristry; what is considered the flower that everyone needs to have today can change very quickly. Some shops also stock gift baskets, fruits, and chocolates as well as flowers, whereas some shops will purchase these things only when needed for an order.

Floral business is seasonal and is heavily influenced by the subsequent holidays and events: Mothers' Day, Father’s Day, Valentine's Day, Eid, Christmas, Administrative Professionals' Day, All Souls Day, Advent, Easter, weddings and funerals. These occasions make up the largest part of the business, with the sale of house plants and home decor being a smaller, but more constant, part. Flowers for personal enjoyment as well as those selected to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and get well wishes are also a significant portion of a florist's business.