Agricultural Careers By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 FLORIST

Three Major Components Growers usually specialize in a few crops or plants. Wholesalers usually have an inventory of items from all over the world. A wholesaler deals with several dealers from many countries to secure the variety necessary for the retail florist to satisfy the customers’ demand. Retail florist deal directly with the consumer, either by telephone or walk-in sales. They have to anticipate customer’s needs and desires and be creative in constructing pleasing arrangements of an international variety of plants, flowers and materials that the customer will want to purchase. They have to be business savvy as well as know plant materials, be creative and work with people.

Duties and Responsibilities Design appropriate floral arrangements of flowers, plant materials and accessories Discuss with clients their desires and requirements, including type of occasion and budget available to determine and full-fill their needs Select flowers and greenery, taking into account the expected life of each flower in combination Make sure that flowers remain in good condition Arrange local delivery of flowers and relay interstate and overseas orders Arrange dried, paper, silk or latex flowers, fruits and other materials Take orders by phone or in face-to-face sales situations Prepare floral inventory and place orders for needed materials and supplies Keep the shop premises and displays neat and tidy

Qualities and Skills A good sense of design, color, creativity, and artistic ability are very important in florist as is an appreciation of the different varieties of flowers, plants and accessories Patience and people skills are necessary for someone in this career, particularly for florists dealing directly with the public For those operating their own florist, sound business and supervising skills are required To be successful, time management and sales skills are also needed Florists must understand the importance of discretion and confidentiality

Salary Average salary for a florist in 2004 was $25,000 per year. The low end was $15,000 and the high end was $29, ,000. The salary may vary depending on geographical location, experience and reputation.

Education A high school degree or GED is often the only education requirement for beginning floral designers. However, formal training is an asset. Vocational and technical schools offer programs in floral design, usually lasting less than a year. Most floral designers learn their skills on the job. Anyone with an eye for color and style can be trained the floral career.

Career Resources Society of American Florists 1601 Duke Street Alexandria, VA Internet: American Institute of Floral Designers 720 Light Street, Baltimore, MD Internet: Directory of USA State Floral Associations Internet: associations.html