Learning Objectives

Notes

9.1
To determine the treatment needed when arranging flowers in any design.

Have students develop a list of the common reasons for floral deterioration. Have the students experiment with three identical cut flowers to determine the effect of water quality. Place the first flower in water with a preservative, the second in tap water with a sugar solution added and the third flower in pond water then observe for a week and report the results.

Discuss the treatments needed to give longevity to the flowers and greens.

Factors contributing to flower longevity must include quality of water and ethylene control. Some flowers produce more ethylene than other more sensitive flowers and will cause premature wilting and death of the sensitive flowers if both types are stored in close proximity.

9.2
To make informed decisions for the inspection and processing of florals upon delivery. (IL)

Have students closely examine flowers and foliage upon delivery, inspecting stems, leaves, petals, buds for quality or damage.

Have students find examples of mildew, rot, insect or mechanical damage caused by various common packaging or handling methods used in the floral industry.

Have students process flowers upon delivery.

Have students suggest why flowers are re-cut and leaves are removed when they are prepared for display. Experiment to see if there are differences in results between flower stems re-cut under water and flower stems re-cut in the open air.

Have the students describe how stem blockage occurs.

Preservatives are added to the water to counteract problems like pH reductions and bacterial actions. Have the students identify the elements in secondary preservative ingredients and the function of each element for plant preservation and development.

9.3
To determine the proper type and style of the container to match the type and quantity of flowers.

Have the students collect a variety of sizes and styles of containers (vases, rose bowls, etc.). Sort the containers to determine the number of flowers or the design that would be suitable for each container. Points to have students discuss when selecting a container for a particular floral design presentation include:

• Texture of the container
• Sense of unity
• Colour schemes (of the arrangement, container and the display area).
• Light requirements

As a general rule the container should be as simple as possible in order not to detract from the flowers.

Have students produce arrangements using a single flower and greens and a small group of three or five blooms.

Have students identify the reasons why floral designers do not use metal containers.

9.4
To identify long term solutions for storage and bouquet arrangements.

Discuss with the students the steps involved in long term storage of flowers and foliage; these include:

• Change of solution frequently
• Using clean and sterile containers
• Re-cut stems before putting them in preservation solutions
• Soak form in water with preservative
• Water temperature
• Water quality
• Depth of solution
• Use of non metallic containers