Tag Archives: flowers

An Insight Into the Power of Colour: By Pantone

I was lucky enough to recently attend an insightful webinar on colour, held by Pantone.

It spoke about:

The emotional response to colour
How people view colour
As well as what colour can mean to an individual, or as a business tool.

As I listened to the presentation, I couldn’t help but feel humbled to be part of an industry that has such a strong connection to colour. In every arrangement we make, the colours used portray a specific message, feeling or emotion. I think it also helps to define us as designers; through the individual colour combinations we use, and the colour choices we make. This also displays how much colour means to us as people.

I was also very intrigued by how differently we all see the same colour. They showed an image of a cherry – and then showed twenty images of the different colours people saw when they viewed the cherry. This made me wonder what others see in the colour combinations I put together, as well as what I see, when viewing my own (or others’) work. They even spoke about how different animals see different spectrums of colours – including ultra violet light.

If you have the chance you should visit the Pantone website. While you’re there, check out the Pantone Colour of the Year, browse their site, and immerse yourself in the beauty and mood evoking emotion of colour.

Happy arranging!

Image Credit: pantone.com

Do you want to learn floristry? The Bloom College Flower School Flower Basics Course is the perfect introduction to floristry for those without prior experience caring for and arranging flowers. It is also well suited to those wanting to refresh the skills they gained from some prior experience. We have new Courses STARTING SOON. To find out more head to: http://bit.ly/1Nes64L

Floristry Basics: Colour Theory

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In our previous post about colour we talked about how colour has the strongest emotional power of all of the elements (did the vivid colours in above photo really grab you?), and how combining colours and creating harmony with them can be one of the most pleasurable parts of floristry.

In this post we delve a bit further into Colour Theory.

Colour theory is best understood with the aid of a colour wheel. This tool is a great visual aid that describes how colours relate to each other, and how to interpret these relationships. The ‘12 Colour’ colour wheel is the one that’s most often used in floristry and other design industries.

As you can see, half of the wheel is made up of ‘warm’ colours, while the other half are referred to as ‘cool’ colours. Black, white, and grey are considered neutral colours, and are not included on the Colour Wheel. Their role within the Colour Wheel is to be mixed with other colours on the wheel to create tints, shades, and tones. A colour becomes a tint when white is added to it. When black is added to a colour, a shade of the original colour is created. Meanwhile, when grey is added to a colour, it becomes a tone.

You may remember this next part from school:

Primary Colours

Red, yellow and blue. These colours are known as the Primary Colours and are base colours. They cannot be created through the mixing of other colours.

Secondary Colours

Secondary colours are the colours created when any two of the Primary Colours are mixed together.

For example:

Red + Yellow = Orange

Yellow + Blue = Green

Blue + Red = Purple

Now we move onto the more complex colours.

Contrasting/Complementary Colours

These sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. Examples of these colours include the violet and yellow colours within an Iris, or the Christmas colours red and green

Monochromatic Colours

Monochromatic colours are a single colour, and are modified using tints, shades, and tones of the original colour.

Triadic Colours

These are defined as colours evenly separated and spaced around the colour wheel. They produce good contrast and harmony with each other. To lessen the overall colour intensity, one colour can be used to dominate the design, while the other two complement its strength.

Analogous Colours

Analogous colours are next to each other on the colour wheel. They create a flowing natural look to a design. You can create a warm or a cool colour palate, depending on the side of the wheel from which you select your colours.

Split Complementary Colours

These are created when selecting one complementary colour, with the two colours lying either side of the opposing complementary colour. For example, red and green are complementary, so you might choose red, and then use the two colours which sit each side of green, these being blue-green and yellow-green.

Hopefully this insight into Colour Theory has given you a greater understanding of how combining colours and creating harmony with them is an enjoyable part of your floristry career (and why we cover it in our Floristry Career Change Course in even further detail). By gaining an understanding early on about Colour Theory, you can put your skills into practice, and have fun experimenting with colour.

Are you looking for a change of career?

Our Floristry Career Change Course is available as a full time or part time course. Places are strictly limited. For further information, and to apply, please email enquiries@bloomcollege.com.au

Flower Spotlight….the Lily

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Whether they are doing a floristry course, or one of our flower workshops, students at Bloom College all have one thing in common: a love of flowers. We are lucky to have many types of flowers available to us in Australia – and in this post, we look at the ever-popular lily.

Common name: Lily, Asiatic lily, Christmas lily, Oriental lily, LA

Botanical name: Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum x Asiatic (LA)

Quick facts:

Lilies are originally from Asia and Europe, and are suitable for use in vases and foam. The stem length varies from 30cm–100cm. They are available all year, and are grown from bulbs (and forced to flower) most of the year in Victoria and NSW.

How to tell if a Lily is good quality:

For all lilies, choose straight stems and glossy green leaves.

Avoid stems that have dried out, or aren’t a fresh green colour at the base.

Oriental lilies have two or three white, pink, red or yellow large flowers per stem; choose stems which have fully developed buds which are about to open.
Asiatic lilies have several yellow, orange, red or white flowers on each stem; choose stems which have two or three fully developed buds which are about to open.
Christmas lilies have one or two very large white flowers; choose stems that have fully coloured (white) flowers which are about to open.

Colours:

Asiatics: White, yellow, pink, orange.
LAs come in paler, more pastel Asiatic colours – pink, mango, burgundy, rust, white/cream.
Orientals: White, pale pink, white with a burgundy strip, lemon.
Longiflorums: White, white with a burgundy strip, lemon.

Now that you know a bit more about lilies, it will hopefully help spark your inner creativity.

At Bloom College flower design school we create floristry courses and flower workshops for beginners, the hobbyist and those wanting to pursue floristry for commercial purposes. Our next Floristry Career Change Courses are starting in Port Melbourne in October 2015, and in Geelong in March 2016. Head here for more information.

Taking Client Orders – What You Need To Know

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Whether you are working as florist within a business, or have your own business, taking client orders will be part of your usual day. These orders will be quite specific in their requirements, so it’s important that you record all of the details accurately – and that you ask all the right questions.

It may even be worth setting up a ‘Client Order Form’ that you can print out and complete when taking an order so that you make sure you have all the details you need before you start.

What details do you need?

Customer name, address & phone number: Read these back to the customer to ensure there are no mistakes. Also check the spelling of all names, including street names.
Type of flowers & colours: Discuss the flower requests and associated costs with the client. It’s also a good idea to find out details of the event or reason for the flowers, plus ideas on the type of look they require. If required, suggest other options and offer advice on what would be best for their particular needs.
Date & time order was taken: As well as the name of the person who took the order. This is in case there are any questions prior to the delivery of the flowers.
Day, date & time flowers are required: Check this against the calendar to make sure the day and date match.
Delivery (or pick up) details: When are the flowers being collected? Or, if they are being delivered you need the delivery address, contact name and number in case of any questions at the time of the delivery. If the flowers are for a funeral you’ll need to also know what time the service begins. If the delivery is to a home address, check for an alternative if no one is home at the time of delivery.
Credit card details: If they are calling to place the order and don’t wish to hold, you’ll need the card number, expiry date, type of card, full name on card, and 3 digit CSV number (on the back of the card). Make sure this payment goes through before the order is confirmed. Also check if the customer would like a receipt sent to them.
Card message: It’s important that the card message is accurate, contains the correct spelling, and is legible. Remember the contents of the message may be private and personal, so discretion and professionalism must be exercised.

Finally, to complete each order, repeat all details back to the client, and thank them for their time and patience with you. You can also offer them the opportunity to ask any questions they might have.

By ensuring that you have all of the details above at the time of taking the customer order, there will be less chance of you making an error, or forgetting crucial information. The result of this will be happier customers, and hopefully a recommendation to others, and repeat business.

Are you looking for a Career Change? The Bloom College Floristry Career Change Course will give you all of the fundamental skills and knowledge that you need to get you started in your new career in floristry. Further details, plus information on our other Flower Courses and Workshops in Geelong and Melbourne can be found on our Courses Page.

Event Styling with Flowers – tips for planning & preparation

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Flowers form a crucial role in enhancing the look and feel of any event. Whether you’re a florist or you have been asked to provide the flowers for a wedding or event there are some important things for you to consider:

How far ahead do you need to order the flowers? For most flower varieties we suggest a minimum of 2 weeks however it is best to check with the supplier as this may differ for some flowers and at certain times of the year.
When should the flowers be collected from supplier for maximum freshness? Check with the supplier when they will receive them. If you have a cooler to keep them in then we suggest collecting them shortly after the supplier has received them. That way you can commence the all important care and maintenance and in some cases maturation. maturation is when you need to get certain blooms open in time for the event. If you do not have access to a cooler set at 6-8degrees, you may want to consider waiting until the day of preparation. The day of preparation will depend on many factors but is commonly 1-2 days prior to the event.
Make sure you have packing boxes for transportation (Usually one per arrangement).
To store your flowers, remove the plastic, strip & cut stems, and place in clean buckets of fresh water (Keep flowers in groups of the same variety). Then store them in a dark, cool place (as above; cooler is optimal if available).
Arrange your wedding bouquets the day prior to the event, then store them again in clean buckets of fresh water.

Whether you are the event organiser, or the florist that’s providing the flowers for the event or wedding, with a bit of forward planning your flowers will arrive at the destination as fresh and beautiful as possible.

Are you styling a wedding or event?

Head here for further details on our most popular Wedding course.

Autumn Flower Guide – Our Pick of the Best in Season!

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It seems like so long ago that we put together our Spring Flower Guide, but here we are in Autumn already! As the weather cools down here in Australia, there are still many stunning flowers available for flower lovers (and those in the floristry industry) to enjoy.

So, what are our favourite blooms in season right now?

Dahlias: They are by far one of the most popular flowers – and for a very good reason! They come in so many varied colours and sizes – there’s something for everyone to love!

Gardenias: They are one of the best smelling flowers – and are just superb in bridal bouquets. Also great if you pop the blooms in a short vase, or float in a shallow dish.

Autumn Roses: They are just beautiful – our favourites are David Austin ‘fair Bianca’ variety – and also many of the peach and apricot hybrid tea roses. Divine!

Just because the weather is cooling down, doesn’t mean things are slowing down at Bloom College! With new Floristry Courses and Flower Workshops in Melbourne and Geelong being listed all the time, make sure you keep an eye on our Course schedule, or subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay warm everyone, and enjoy all the beautiful blooms out in Autumn!

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS)

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Bloom College is excited to once again be a part of the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) from Wednesday 25^th – Sunday 29^th March 2015.

What started off 20 years ago in the World Trade Centre building as primarily a trade show for growers (and those in the industry) is now the Southern Hemisphere’s premier horticultural event. This spectacular annual event is now open to all, and held at the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building.

Leading Australian and international florists will create a range of interactive and memorable floral displays, transforming the inside of the Royal Exhibition Building into a floral wonderland in full bloom. Workshops and presentations hosted by award winning florists Joseph Massie, Matthew Landers and of course our very own teachers Rebecca Findlay and Alice Shepherd will be on the live stage. Audiences will be treated to an insight into how to achieve great floral artistry for themselves.

The best landscape design talent yet will also be showcased in the Carlton Gardens. The crowd-stopping show gardens will once again provide attendees with inspiration they can take home to their own gardens.

Bloom College will be holding a demonstration on the Main Stage (inside the hall of flowers) on Wednesday March 25 at 1.15pm – we’d love to see you there! This will be a great chance for those interested in flower arranging, or flower workshops in Melbourne and Geelong to see what Bloom College is all about.

Plus each day 15 of our Career Change students will be treated to personal tours of the MIFGS with Yvette.

Competition time! Bloom will have 5 tickets to give away to the MIFGS! Stay tuned on our Blog & Facebook page for details and to enter.

For tickets and further information on the MIFGS head to the Melbourne Flower Show Website.

Supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation

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Here at Bloom College we treasure the support we are able to offer causes close to our hearts. With that in mind, we were so thrilled to be able to assist the National Breast Cancer Foundation recently with their Pink Ribbon Breakfast.

It was the largest Pink Ribbon Breakfast held throughout the 2014 Australian campaign, and with Bloom College’s help it was an outstanding success for them. They were able to donate $82,000.00 to assist the National Breast Cancer Foundation achieve its goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.

The Breakfast was held on Thursday 23^rd October 2014, and Bloom College donated table arrangements made by our students. The arrangements were lovingly handcrafted by those who attended one of our workshops held every hour (on the hour) across 2 days and 2 locations – Geelong and Albert Park. Students donated $20 and an hour of their time, in which they also learnt other handy floristry tips and advice.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation were thrilled with their table arrangements, and said that they “made a beautiful addition to the ambience of the room”.

Rebecca, Yvette and Geri

If you are a part of a charity and would like to discuss how Bloom may be able to help, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us an email at: yvette@bloomcollege.com.au

At Bloom College flower design school we create floristry courses and flower workshops for beginners, the hobbyist and those wanting to pursue floristry for commercial purposes. Our classes are a place where not only do participants learn floristry and flower arranging, but they also have fun, meet new friends and find their inner creativity. Classes are held across 3 locations: Geelong, Port Melbourne and Albert Park. Enrolments for the 2015 Classes and Workshops are now open. To find our more head to our website (where you can also join our newsletter to receive the latest news and updates on our classes and events), or give us a call on (03) 5229 8336.

Melbourne Wholesale Flower Market Tour – Your last chance to join us in 2014.

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Immerse yourself in the fast paced action, wonderful fragrances and colour of The National Flower Centre (Melbourne Wholesale Flower Market). Be guided by Bloom College to ensure you get the best quality and value while purchasing the freshest flowers available this season. Usually closed to the public, this is the best way to experience a market loved by those in the floristry industry. We also introduce you to the friendliest (and best) growers and wholesalers in the market – people that we’ve come to love from our many visits there.

Once you’re armed with your beautiful fresh flowers, it’s a great chance for you to try out your new skills you’ve learnt during your floristry training at Bloom College. Or for those thinking of doing one of our floristry workshops or courses, it’s the perfect introduction to learning about floral arranging.

This will be your last chance to join us at the market for 2014, and possibly one of the last times to visit the market at it’s current site in Footscray. Plans are in place to move it to Epping in 2015 – which will be further to travel for many people.

Florists and flower retailers from across Victoria flock to this market, so come along and see what the fuss is about!

When: Saturday 6^th December, 6am – 8am

Where: 542 Footscray Road,West Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3003 (map & full details)

Cost: $55 per person

Book here

If you can’t join us on the 6^th December, but would like to join a tour at another time, head here to grab your voucher for a regular tour:

Please note: The Bloom College Florist Market Tour is usually by invite only to current students but this Christmas it will be open to all. Places are limited however. The Vouchers for non florist guided Market tours are available to everyone most weekends.

Here’s a list of other Flower Market Tours available worldwide:

Sydney

Located near Homebush Bay (15 km west of Sydney), this is Australia’s largest flower market for fresh cut flowers, and is open to the General Public. Tours can be also tailored for general and special interest groups and individuals.

New York

Located on 28th Street, this Blog will help you navigate your way around the market, get the best flowers – and leave without feeling overwhelmed.

Bangkok

Located close to Chinatown, this half-day tour will ensure you get the most from your visit through the 1.5km long main thoroughfare and maze of sub-streets that make up this popular market.

London

Located in E2 (East London), this Sunday only market is also a great way to check out the host of local independent galleries and shops selling pottery, perfume and other treasures.

Holland

This YouTube clip shows you the sheer size of the largest Flower Market in the world, located in Aalsmeer, Holland.

Twenty million flowers move through here every day, and are brought in from Dutch growers, and also from growers in Israel, Kenya, South Africa, South America and beyond. They are then exported all around the world.

To join Bloom College at our final Christmas Melbourne Wholesale Flower Market Tour for 2014, email us at enquiries@bloomcollege.com.au or to book a tour on any given Saturday book here.

Bloom College – Helping our Community

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‘The beauty of flowers is for all to enjoy, admire and feel. The visual beauty and energy of flowers can heal the mind, body and soul’

With this in mind, Yvette recently visited the volunteers at Anam Cara Geelong to share tips and advice on Flower Arranging.

Anam Cara offers support to people of all ages who are seeking palliative care within the greater Geelong community.

They are a community funded, non denominational organisation made up of compassionate health professionals, volunteers and supporters working together to provide day and overnight respite and end of life care in a “home like” environment.

The hard working volunteers were treated to a lesson on how to best use Spring flowers and herbs to create beautiful floral arrangements. Each person left with the knowledge of how they can use flowers from their own garden to create arrangements that they can enjoy within their homes, give as gifts, or use to bring some healing energy and visual beauty to Anam Cara.

Volunteers have given us great feedback on this event, and Bloom College was so happy to have been able to have been a part of such a positive experience.

Do you know of a local community service that could benefit from a similar event? At Bloom College we have a many causes close to our hearts and we want to contribute to them in as many ways as we can. One way is by sharing our knowledge with people who could benefit from the positive effects that come from learning more about the therapeutic properties of flowers and flower arranging.

If you would like to enquire about the possibility of a similar event, please contact us.