Basic botany and plant identification

Basic Botany Concepts

Floristry is rooted in a sound understanding of plants and botany.
Essential knowledge includes the different parts of a plant, like the stem, leaf, flower, roots, seed, and how they function.
Knowledge of photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to use sunlight to produce energy, is crucial.
It’s important to understand the structure of flowers, including petals, sepals, stamens, carpels and how they contribute to plant reproduction.
Importance of plant reproduction methods like vegetative reproduction, sexual reproduction involving pollination, fertilization, seed formation, and dispersal.
Understand plant growth, including germination, maturation, and dormancy cycles.
Know about different plant life cycles: annuals, biennials and perennials.

Plant Identification and Classification

Essential to understand taxonomical hierarchy: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Learn to identify plants using binomial nomenclature, the scientific names of plants which consist of genus and species names.
Familiarise with different plant families, their key characteristics and member species relevant to floristry.
Understand the structural differences and classification of important plant groups, like flowering plants (angiosperms), gymnosperms, ferns and their allies, mosses and liverworts.
Gain exposure to native and exotic plants: Recognise common species and their requirements, as many may be used in floral arrangements.
Knowledge of morphological characteristics: Learn to identify plants by their leaf shape and arrangements, flower structure, plant habit, fruit type and other physical features.

Specific Botany for Florists

Recognise seasonal plants: Knowing when flowers and foliage are naturally available helps in planning floral designs.
Comprehend the post-harvest physiology of flowers and foliage: This includes handling, transport, storage, and vase life extension methods for different species.
Understand how environmental factors such as light, temperature, water, and nutrients affect the growth of plants and flowers.
Familiarise with plant diseases and pests: Recognising the signs of common plant diseases and pests will ensure selection of healthy plant material.
Learn about plant propagation techniques, as they are often used in the nursery industry to mass produce many of the flowers used in floristry.

Remember to revise these areas thoroughly as they form the foundation of your work in floristry - from creating striking arrangements to giving expert care advice to clients. Happy studying!