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
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”
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
Arrangement # 1 - Monochrome Study
For the “monochromic study” I chose to stay within the color palette of pink and purple. I bought a bunch of flowers from the market to make my own arrangement. Once I got home, I realized that I bought so many stems… enough to make 6 arrangements worth because all of my vases are fairly small.
I am still getting the hang of balancing the various flower types, getting the height correct and filling up the vase volume appropriately - but it was still fun to begin practicing. I forgot to photograph these bouquets when I first did them so these are actually exactly 2 weeks old. I’m surprised they look as okay as they do. I changed the water a few times so maybe that helped.
I read that the Calla Lilly was trending in weddings in 2025. I have never particularly noticed or seen it prior to this so thought it would be cool to incorporate it as one of the “statement” flowers in these.
I’ve also never seen a Pink Lycoris Spider Lilly (hopefully I have identified these both correctly) but I read that they are a late-summer / early fall flower so with it being early September, I thought it would be perfect to include this seasonal choice.
The small white flowers are Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) which have been a favorite of mine since childhood and I feel like they go with anything (but maybe I’m crazy).
I am unsure if the indigo purple is Russian sage and unsure if the bright purple is Pink Statice (Limonium). I will report back when I figure it out.