History of Floral Design

Why should we know history? Understand traditions What has happened in the past always reoccurs To understand the design styles that also affect fashion, home décor and art. To understand the basis of current trends

The Major periods Are broken down into 3 major categories with individual times falling within each of these. 1. Early Floral Design periods 2. European Periods 3. American Periods

Early Design Periods This includes the following times Egyptian period Greek and Roman period Japanese period

Egyptian period First in recorded history to use flowers for decoration Valued simplicity and highly stylized repetition (orderly sequence) Cut flower were placed in bowls, vases or jars and used in religious ceremonies and festivals.

Greek and Roman Period Influenced by Egyptian period Garlands, wreaths and chaplets were main floral designs. Flowers were given to honor heroes and gods. Strewing of flowers and loose petals is a trademark of the period.

Influence on Today Wreaths and garlands still popular. The strewing of flowers is very popular at weddings.

Japanese Influence Ikebana - Japanese type of design Design of this era emphasized careful and significant placement of every flower, leaf and branch. The placement of 3 main flower or branches signifies heaven (shin), man (soe) and Earth (tai)

European Periods Middle Ages Italian Renaissance Dutch Flemish Period French Period English Period Early English Victorian Era

Middle Ages Design continued in Greek/Roman tradition. Very little is known about the uses except for their use in food, beverages and medicine

Italian Renaissance A time of greater interest in the arts. Is considered the beginning of flower arranging as it is know today. Gave flowers their “meanings” Designs were colorful, large, full and symmetrical with no stems showing. Fruits and vegetables were mixed with the flowers

Influence on Today Italian period was one of the greatest influence on todays design. The incorporating of fruits and vegetables is still used today Flowers still have meanings today.

Dutch Flemish Period Flowers from all over the world were used. Styles very flamboyant and first time all around Fruit, shells, bird nests or birdcages or nature objects were popular Flowers not just for the wealthy

Influence on today Use of accessories The large arrangements in hotel lobbies is influenced by this period.

French Period Emphasis on classic forms Designs were refined and elegant Fan shaped, round and crescent shape were popular. Very tall arrangements. Roses very popular and lilies too Containers were very ornate.

English Tradition Picked flowers for casual bouquets to bring into the home Major concern is scent Fashionable English ladies carried nosegays (hand held bouquets) or tussie mussie Topiary form was developed

Influence on today Centerpieces Nosegays (forerunner of the wedding bouquet) Topiary Bud vases All of these items are still used today.

Later English Period Also called the Victorian Era after Queen Victoria This era contributed the most to establish floral design as an art. The art of design was covered in books and magazines of that time. This is when many rules and techniques were established.

Two popular styles of the time 1. Large, abundant masses of flowers Usually round or oval with trailing material to give a romantic look No center of interest New and unusual flowers favored Foliage was used for the first time

2. Small mixed informal bouquets Used for a romantic feel throughout the home Usually were picked from the garden

Other Victorian items Language of flowers was studied and used to convey messages especially during courtship. Sending flowers to ladies before social events was begun. Loved accessories such as fans, figurines, shells and knickknacks.

Influence on Today Romantic look is still popular Draping or trailing material is still used for romantic look Adding of greens/foliages Emphasis on the art is a necessity of training for the modern day floral designer

American Styles Colonial Period Greatly influenced by the Europeans Styles were simple and used native flowers Grains, grasses and dried flowers used that were native Filler flowers like babies breath used Fans and triangular arrangements popular. Flowers were placed in pots and jars

20th century America Enjoy the simplicity of Ikebana and modify it to call it line arrangements The large colorful arrangements of the Europeans were simplified and called mass arrangements and are based on geometric shapes.

More American Styles The line mass style was created to combine the best of the Japanese and the Europeans Free form styles were developed in the 1960’s. The forgetting of the rules allowed for creativeness. All designs of today are based upon what has occurred in the past.