The Art of Floral Arrangement

This post is a class syllabus and progress tracker for part of my “adult-school” curriculum. Overview here.

Subject: Fine Arts & Design

Course Title: The Art of Floral Arrangement

Dates: Monday September 1st to December 22nd.

Learning Objective: Discover techniques for floral design, including pairing, color theory, and care practices, while creating mindful and aesthetically pleasing arrangements.

Requirements for A+ Grade:

• Research, Study and Media Consumption

  • Weeks 1-2: History of Floral Design & Modern Trends

  • Weeks 3-4: Elements of Design

  • Weeks 5-6: Care & Longevity

  • Weeks 7-8: Symbolism & Emotional Resonance

  • Weeks 9-10: Vessels & Containers

  • Weeks 11-12: Global Flower Markets & Economics

  • Weeks 13-14: Cultural & Spiritual Dimensions

  • Week 15-16: Finish Mini-Portfolio

• Practice

  • Create 6 unique floral arrangements on a bi-weekly basis

• Final Capstone Project

  • Create a mini-portfolio of the 6 arrangements in blog form

$300 Grant:

• Average of $25 to spend per arrangement x 6 = $150

• Option to spend up to $150 on vases and supplies

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Weeks 1 to 2: History of Floral Design & Modern Trends

• History of Floral Design

  • Japanese Ikebana as a meditative practice

  • Ancient traditions (Egyptian garlands, Greek & Roman crowns, Chinese symbolism)

  • Renaissance & Baroque opulence (Dutch still life, Flemish influence)

  • Victorian language of flowers (floriography)

• Modern Trends

  • Social media aesthetics

  • Foam-free floristry

  • Dried flowers revival

Weeks 3 to 4: Elements of Design

• Arrangement #1 “Monochrome Study” or “Ikebana Inspired”

  • Color theory, shape, texture, balance

  • Negative space, asymmetry vs. symmetry

Weeks 5 to 6: Care & Longevity

• Arrangement #2: “Long Lasting Bouquet”

  • Cutting, conditioning, hydration, preservation

  • Flower food & water science

  • Drying & pressing flowers

Weeks 7 to 8: Symbolism & Emotional Resonance

• Arrangement #3: “Message In Flowers”

  • Psychological effects of color and bloom choice

  • Using flowers as metaphors/storytelling

Weeks 9 to 10: Vessels & Containers

• Arrangement #4: “The Vessel as Voice”

  • Vase shapes and what they do for arrangements

  • Compotes, urns, kenzan, and modern sculptural vessels

  • Eco-friendly & creative containers

Weeks 11 to 12: Global Flowers Markets & Economics

• Arrangement #5: “Seasonal”

  • Dutch auctions, exports, and sustainability

  • Local vs. imported flowers

  • Seasonal availability & budgeting

Weeks 13 to 14: Cultural & Spiritual Dimensions

• Arrangement #6: “Sacred or Ceremonial Piece”

  • Weddings, funerals, temples, altars

  • Feng Shui, healing gardens

  • Flowers as offerings and rituals

Weeks 15 to 16: Capstone Project

• Mini-Portfolio of Arrangements In Blog Form

  • Showcase each of the 6 arrangements with photos

  • 1,000-1,500 word written reflection

    • Details about what inspired each piece

    • Any challenges face while sourcing or creating

    • Reflect on the design elements you’re most drawn to

    • Discuss how history, symbolism, or ritual practice shaped your perspective.

    • Share a moment where flowers felt particularly alive or meaningful to you.

    • Note skills learned (conditioning stems, understanding vessels, market awareness, eco-practices).

    • Share how you’ll use flowers in your daily life, business, or creative expression.

    • Set 1–2 goals for continued floral exploration