Field Trips

In the past students attending the classes have had the occasional opportunity to go on a one-day field trip as part of the course.  The students pictured here recently attending the Society of American Florists Convention in Orlando.

While at the conference the students watched designers as they participated in the Sylvia Cup Competition.  Afterwards they the class took in the Outstanding Varieties Competition featuring the latest and best in new flower cultivars.

Click the Center’s Video Tab to view a brief video of the competition.

During the Advanced Course students visit area shops. Here, shop owner and instructor, Vince Petrovsky AAF, AIFD, explains the Point-of-Sale computer system in his shop.  Vince also talks with the students about the process in taking a wedding order.  The students leave the shop with a stronger sense of what goes into running a florist.

John Klingel, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, judges the Interflora World Cup

By Heidi Anderson, editor

The 13th Interflora World Cup was held March 26-28, 2010, in Shanghai, China. The prestigious floral art competition, held every four years, showcases the highest standard of domestic floristry. Aiming to advance the horticultural industry, this event brought together Interflora florists from 20 countries around the world.

The 2010 theme was kept secret until one week before the event. Designers were required to create a table setting with the theme ‘Green Tea for Two,’ a bridal bouquet themed ‘Oriental Petal,’ a ‘surprise item’ and an exhibit of the designer’s choice with the theme ‘Flowers of the Orient.’ The top 10 florists move on to the finals, where they compete for the World Cup title. Designers used two surprise items in their design, which forms part of the unique floral fashion show.

The six World Cup judges were, Karen Barnes, Interflora UK; Greg Block, Interflora Australia; Yutaka Jinbo, FTD; John Klingel, FTD; Rolf Torhaug, Fleurop; and Nicole von Boletzk, Fleurop. Norway won first place, Switzerland took second, and Korea third.

Judge John Klingel, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, director of The South Florida Center for Floral Studies, spent a week in China absorbing the competition and the culture. He took in the differences between floral designers of the east and west.

“Western designers tend to be less detailed-oriented and work to finish a job quickly,” he said. “It also seems that the oriental culture gives more thought to their work, which really shows in the finished arrangement.”

Klingel and the other judges used scoring sheets to rate each arrangement for all of the themes.

“I thought the themes of the competition were wonderful because they inspired creativity,” he said. “The designers took full advantage of the ideas and expressed themselves very well through their work.”

The work of the first-place winner from Norway was Klingel’s favorite.

“His work was uncomplicated and very clean,” he said. “In the surprise package, where a very talented designer can show his best work, he kept the design simple and creative. He used the wheel as an armature, building his floral arrangement around the spokes. I thought it was brilliant.”

After spending time with florists from around the world, Klingel came home with a fresh perspective on flowers in America.

“In the U.S., consumers are looking for a good value,” he said. “This means very fresh flowers and a generous amount – lots of perceived value. Especially in a down economy, consumers want to see lots of flowers that last a long time for the money spent.”

And Klingel will never forget the time he spent in China.

“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.

Photos:

From left to right: John Klingel, USA; Greg Block, Australia; Karen Barnes, UK; Rolf Torhaug, Norway; Yutaka Jimbo, Japan; Peter Johnston (Judges Liaison from New Zealand) and Nicole von Brutzky, Switzerland.

Placing first in the hand-tied category was Norway with this beautiful design of green anthurium, Phalaenopsis orchid sprays, callas, hanging amaranthus, roses and bromeliads. The design had to represent the future of floral compositions, which would be delivered by the Interflora Mercury Man.

The surprise package included a large container and two bicycle wheels in addition to an assortment of flowers. The designer from Norway, who won the competition, created this arrangement. Here, the designer used the bicycle wheel as an armature structure. He inserted the flower stems through the spokes of the wheel. The stems of the flowers were placed into the container. The judges felt that his was the most creative use of the wheel, which helped him score higher than the other contestants.

The contestant from England used two bicycle wheels. One was placed at the base of the container and the other was used vertically. This design was more complex and used more of the product, but it just goes to show that sometimes, small and simple is better.

Greg Block, Rolf Torhaug, Yutaka Jimbo and Karen Barnes closely examine a hand-tied bouquet during the final day of judging.

for $995.00 and Save $195.00 .

ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT AND COURSE FEES

Call 561-684-8100 or email john@centerforfloralstudies.com

www.centerforfloralstudies.com

South Florida Center for Floral Studies

360 South Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Click here to download the ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT AND COURSE FEES information.

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Distance Learning Classes Available in Floral Design

Welcome and Learn

As one of the nation’s top rated floral career schools we bring the very latest into the classroom, consequently giving our students a competitive edge. In today’s floral industry trends in design, as well as, business procedures are constantly changing.  To meet the demands in the present marketplace our instructors continue to update themselves by attending national symposiums and regional conferences.

Many students do not have weeks or months to explore a new career. The Center offers compressed career courses in both Basic Floral Design FD-101 and Advanced Floral Design FD-102. Check out the details of each course by clicking the tabs located on the left side of this page.

The classes are not only dedicated to educate students in floral design using the latest in products, but also offer comprehensive study in areas of business, shop management and purchasing procedures all in a wholesale environment!

The South Florida Center for Floral Studies leases classroom and office space inside of a full-service, wholesale florist located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Students have access to shopping at wholesale prices while attending class. In addition to buying, students are exposed to a functioning wholesaler filled with a wide assortment of fresh flowers, foliages as well as a complete line of hard goods. To view pictures of the facility check out the Classroom Photos tab.

Click the blue bar for a guided tour of the facility by school director, John Klingel.  If you are within driving distance we encourage you to schedule an on-site school visit.  John or one of the other instructors will gladly meet with you at a time that is convenient for you.  If possible, we encourage all students to personally check out any school they are interested in.

The school has trained floral professionals from all around the world. Proudly, several of our students have received the outstanding designation from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Not all design school instructors meet the rigid qualifications required by AIFD. John Klingel and Vince Petrovsky are accredited members of AIFD and have dedicated themselves to the profession. More information and links on the school’s affiliations is located on the Affiliations tab.

John has recently published a new book “The Design Table Guide” and created a set of educational DVDs. Get started today with your career in floral design by purchasing the book and DVDs at www.frugalflorist.biz.

Director, John Klingel AAF, AIFD, PFCI has 38 years of experience as a leader in the floral industry. “Every experience that I have had in the floral industry has guided me along the way to ultimately pursue education and promotion.” To access information about the Director click here.

As a school that focuses in building careers in the floral industry, the Center specializes in the sale and use of fresh flowers and foliages. Being that we are located in the Palm Beaches, which is a sub-tropical climate, many exotic flowers and foliages are available to us. The name Florida means flower! So plan to attend the flower arranging/business courses soon and learn from successful, professional floral designers and shop owners the correct way!

If so, here are some things you probably should know.

Question: What does a florist do?

Answer: Anything and everything. The floral industry is probably one of the most misunderstood there is, on the surface viewed as fun, relaxing and easy. In actuality it is so much more. Florists are selling a perishable product. This product is often a phantom meaning; ordered over the phone, the customer doesn’t see what they are actually purchasing. They rely on the salesman’s suggestions and expertise.

We also offer delivery as a service which, in most cases, is critical to the survival of the business. Many florists start out as delivery drivers. The success of many shops depends, in part, on the timely manner deliveries are made.

In short, we buy the product, clean and care for the product, sell the product, design and deliver the product.

Quite a process!

Q: Why did you become a florist?

A: Fate and passion. I was lead into the floral industry after working part time as a driver. Quickly realizing that I really liked what I was doing pretty much sealed my destiny.

Q: What are the most important skills required of a florist?

A: That you have a knowledge of the industry. You have to enjoy working with people. Quality of communication is imperative in order to establish trust with your customer. Remember, many times they will not see what they are buying.

Talent is an important ingredient. Although, talents may vary person to person developing them is what it is all about.

Q: How does someone get a job in the floral industry?

A: Their best bet is to go to floral design school and be willing to start at the bottom.  Even with schooling, it takes another year or two before you have a mid-level ability.

Q: What is the salary range for a floral designer and a shop owner?

A: It can widely vary. Depends on what part of the country you are in and the volume of business you are doing. For owners I would guess the salary ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 for an average-size shop. For employees it depends on their productivity. I’d say $450.00 to $700.00 a week would be mid-range.

Q: With online shopping does it benefit a florist to have a web site?

A: Absolutely! Especially if you are a speciality shop, such as weddings or other special events. A portfolio of your work is very beneficial. In person or on line.

Q: What kind of hours will the floral industry require?

A: There are peak periods such as the holidays. If you are involved in a business that does a lot of weddings you will work on weekends. The slower times of the year are generally the typical 40 hour work week but demands can keep a designer at their work bench as much as 80 hours a week. Remember we must remain committed until the work is done.

Q: When people have a need for flowers for a special occasion where do they go first?

A: A professional, retail florist. When it comes down to it what you are selling primarily is talent and service. The mass marketers have gobbled up the cash and carry part.

Located in southeast Florida on the Atlantic Ocean, Palm Beach County is also known as “Florida’s Gold Coast.” Shopping, sightseeing and some of the state’s best beaches are just a few of the attractions available to students when they are not in floral design classes.

Students Visiting Mounts Botanical Gardens

History buffs can explore the area’s rich past at two legendary destinations in Palm Beach — the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (www.flaglermuseum.us) and The Breakers Resort and Spa (www.thebreakers.com), a magnificent five-star hotel which offers luxurious accommodations and fine dining.

You can shop ‘til you drop on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, which boasts famous international boutiques along with unique specialty stores, department stores and restaurants (www.worth-avenue.com). Other shopping choices are The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington (www.shopwellingtongreen.com), The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens (www.thegardensmall.com) and the outdoor City Place (www.cityplace.com) in West Palm Beach.

Animal lovers will enjoy Lion Country Safari www.lioncountrysafari.com, which is situated in the western part of the county and offers fun for the whole family.

For plant lovers, the Mounts Botanical Gardens www.mounts.org features 14 acres of gardens located just a few miles from the design school. Tropical and sub-tropical plants from six continents grace the landscape. This is a must-see for students with a passion for floriculture!

Many students bring family members for a vacation since West Palm Beach www.palmbeaches.org is only a short 45-minute drive from Ft. Lauderdale and approximately a one hour drive from Miami and Miami Beach.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens www.fairchildgarden.org is located in Miami and offers much to see for flower and plant lovers while visiting Dade County.

Orlando and Walt Disney World are approximately three hours north of Palm Beach County, making the area a great weekend getaway. Many students who attend both the Basic and Advanced Classes use the break time in between to visit this area.

Many other great towns along the coast provide wonderful experiences for students and their families. Delray Beach www.mydelraybeach.com, which was voted “All American City,” is located just 12 miles south of The South Florida Center for Floral Studies.

The Delray Beach Marriott www.marriott.com and its lower-priced sister hotel the Marriott Residence Inn offer beautiful accommodations. While in Delray Beach you may want to visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens www.morikami.org

We hope that you find this information helpful in making a decision to attend the South Florida Center for Floral Studies. It is important that you get the most out of your time with us.

All classes with student hands-on participation, such as the Basic and Advanced Classes will have a maximum of 15 students. These classes are divided into lecture/ demonstration and hands-on student projects. Classes are described and measured in clock hours. A clock hour is defined as 55 minutes of instruction during any 60-minute cycle. One 15 minute break in the morning, one hour lunch break and one 15 minute break in the afternoon.

Classes are held from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Special topic lectures or seminar classes will vary in size and time according to the subject and student response.

All lecture/demonstration and hands-on work will be done in one area. Each student has his/her own design bench and chair. The classroom design follows closely to the work room area of a retail flower shop.

Attendance

The classes are very comprehensive and progressive. Absences will directly affect a student’s progress and evaluation. In the event of any absence, it the student’s responsibility to arrange make-up work. Instructors will assist in make-up insofar as it does not interfere with other class responsibilities. An attendance record of at least 90% is required in order to receive a certificate of diploma. Excessive tardiness or absences may result in dismissal.

Class Materials

Unless otherwise noted, all flowers, floral materials and supplies are included in the tuition fees. For all Career in Floral Design Classes, students must have their own professional floral design tools, including: professional design knife, ribbon scissors, serrated shears and wire cutters. Students must bring these to class and are responsible for them. Professional tools are available for purchase at local suppliers. Students are responsible for bringing to class a note

book, pen, pencil and a camera is suggested but not required.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature manner suitable to a learning environment. Repeated or intentional disruption of the classroom may result in suspension or dismissal.  The use of alcohol or drugs on school premises is strictly prohibited, students who violate this policy are subject to immediate dismissal. Students who come to class under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be suspended from class.  Students who engage in unlawful or improper conduct contrary to the best interests of the school or their fellow students are subject to suspension or dismissal.

Dress Code

Students are expected to be neatly groomed and presentable at all times. A business casual attire is suggested. For reasons of personal safety, bare feet, sandals and open-toed shoes are not suitable for workshops or hands-on classes.

Conflict Resolution

A student seeking to resolve a problem or complaint should first contact the instructor in charge. Requests for further action should be directed to Director John Klingel.