Starting with the basics everyone needs but few courses teach properly. How to condition stems so arrangements actually last, proper cutting techniques that don't damage flowers, and the mechanics behind making things stay where you put them.

• Stem preparation and hydration methods
• Tool selection and maintenance
• Structural mechanics for different vessel types
• Seasonal flower selection strategies

Here's where it gets interesting. You'll work on creating arrangements that look intentional rather than thrown together. We cover proportion, balance, and texture—but through making dozens of actual bouquets, not sitting through lectures.

• Visual weight and balance principles
• Color interaction in natural materials
• Focal point creation and emphasis
• Working with mixed textures and forms

The reality of floral work is that you're often creating for someone else's vision, not your own. We'll practice translating vague requests into actual designs, working within budget constraints, and adapting when your preferred flowers aren't available.

• Consultation and interpretation skills
• Budget-conscious substitution strategies
• Working with seasonal availability
• Event-specific design considerations

The final weeks are about documenting your work properly. You'll create a collection of arrangements specifically designed to show your range, and learn how to photograph them in a way that actually represents the quality of your work.

• Portfolio piece planning and execution
• Natural light photography basics
• Presentation and documentation methods
• Building a professional showcase