Floral design
The Eastern, Western, and European styles have all influenced the commercial floral design industry as it is today.
Western design historically is characterized by symmetrical, asymmetrical, horizontal, and vertical style of arrangements.
The history of flower arrangement first dates back to Ancient Egypt, and has gradually evolved over time.
[citation needed] Egyptians were among the first to place lotus flowers and buds in vases nearly 4,000 years ago.
[3] Chinese and Korean arrangements were, and still are, traditionally based upon the Confucian idea of reflection, the Buddhist principle of preservation, and Taoist symbolism.
The arrangements of the Chinese and Koreans often use containers of varying height and shape, and use natural elements, such as rocks.
[3][4] Ikebana is the Japanese style of floral design, and incorporates the three main line placements that correspond with heaven, humans, and the earth.
[5][2][4] In the Americas, during the Colonial Period (1607–1699), arrangements were made used gathered wildflowers, grasses, and seed pods.
As such, American pieces began to reflect the sophistication, symmetry, and shapes of European design ideals of the time.
Other flowers commonly used by floral designers include peruvian lilies, cosmos, freesias, gardenia, hyacinth, kalanchoe, larkspur, lavender, lilac, lilies, limonium, lupine, peonies, phlox, protea, ranunculus, sedum, solidago, sunflowers, tulips, and zinnias.
Other foliage used by floral designers today include Italian ruscus, Israeli ruscus, dusty miller, monstera deliciosa, eucalyptus (including silver dollar, gunnii, and baby blue), various types of ferns (such as tree fern), camellia, olive branches, hypericum berries, and pittosporum.
Their materials offer effects and associations complementary to, and contrasting with, fresh flowers and foliage.
They often lend to the final look of a piece, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit numerous types of projects.
Floral tape is most often used to secure flowers together or to cover the mechanics of an arrangement, especially when creating a boutonniere or corsage.
Pot tape is used to create a grid pattern in vases, which helps keeps flowers and foliage in place.
It can be used to secure ribbons in place, fix broken stems, or provide strength to weak or flimsy material.
Most of these programs reward students with certificates or degrees in floral design, shop management, or artisanship.
Floral shops often have a vast variety of flowers and foliage to use in creating arrangements, which can be custom ordered or pre-designed.
[citation needed] Prominent industry associations that promote floral design worldwide include the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), the Society of American Florists (SAF), and the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS).
[27] Notable floral designers include Daniel Ost, Junichi Kakizaki, Paula Pryke, Phil Rulloda, Catherine Conlin, Constance Spry, Jennifer McGarigle, Judith Blacklock, Stanlee Gatti, Irene Hayes, Julia Clements, Azuma Makoto, and the White House Chief Floral Designer.
