Floriculture
Overview
鈥淲here flowers bloom, so does hope.鈥
Lady Bird Johnson was fond of that saying鈥攁nd floriculture majors will probably enjoy it as well. A major in floriculture just seems to imply a career of making people happy. And chances are, that鈥檚 just what will happen! Everyone loves getting flowers, and in this major you鈥檒l learn exactly what goes into growing them successfully鈥攖heir appropriate environments, their needs, and their individual characteristics. You鈥檒l learn about types of flowers and other ornamental plants and the varying challenges faced by those who grow them. You鈥檒l also get experience working in greenhouses, so you can apply what you鈥檝e learned in the classroom to the actual plant world, cultivating different varieties of plants and monitoring your success.
Creativity is vital for the floriculture major. You鈥檒l explore the art of floral design and landscaping, studying both indoor and outdoor plants and how to create attractive arrangements of each. Beautiful floral designs require artistic vision and innovation鈥攁rrangements differ throughout the seasons of the year, and you鈥檒l build your skills for recognizing artful and unusual combinations of colors and types of flowers. Since many floriculture majors go on to work in greenhouses, nurseries, or flower shops, you鈥檒l also learn the basics of management, business, and sales, which includes purchasing, storage, and delivery.
Your floriculture major will lay the groundwork for your future in flowers. It was Emma Goldman who once said, 鈥淚鈥檇 rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.鈥 And if others are inclined to agree, you鈥檒l be well on your way to a rewarding career!
SAMPLE CURRICULUM
Basic Floral Design
Botany
Greenhouse Management
Herbaceous Plants
Horticulture
Houseplants
Landscaping
Plant Breeding
Plant Identification
Plant Physiology
Plant Propagation
Retail Flower Shop Operation
Small Business Management
Vegetable and Fruit Production
HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION
You can prepare for a major in floriculture by taking courses in the sciences, especially biology. As with any major, a strong foundation in a variety of subjects including math and the humanities will be valuable. Good communication skills are vital to a successful career, so take courses that will strengthen your writing and speaking skills. Getting experience in gardening or flower arranging will give you great preparation for college鈥攜ou might check out opportunities for volunteering in your community, or start a flower garden of your own.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS & CAREERS
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