Ancient and Medieval Roots (Pre-1500s)
Flowers in the UK were used long before floristry became a trade. In ancient and medieval times, they served mainly decorative, medicinal, and symbolic purposes. Churches and religious festivals featured floral displays, while monasteries and large estates cultivated gardens that included ornamental flowers. However, there was no organised floral industry or profession during this period. Flowers were part of broader horticultural and cultural practices rather than a dedicated trade.
Early Modern Period (1500s to 1700s)
The early modern period saw growing interest in flowers for aesthetic use. During the Elizabethan era, flowers became popular in decorative arts, banquets, and courtship rituals. By the 17th century, London’s Covent Garden Market began to take shape and evolved into a hub for flower selling. At this stage, flower vendors operated mainly in general markets and were not yet specialised florists. Nevertheless, the foundations for a commercial flower trade were beginning to emerge.
Victorian Era (1800s)
Floristry truly began to flourish during the Victorian era. This period saw a fascination with “floriography,” or the language of flowers, where different blooms carried symbolic meanings and were used to convey subtle messages, particularly in romantic courtship. The upper and middle classes drove a strong demand for floral arrangements in homes, for gifts, and for ceremonies. Skilled floral designs became fashionable, and professional florists started to emerge. Meanwhile, street flower sellers, often women, became common in cities and became emblematic figures of urban life, particularly in London.
20th Century
By the 20th century, floristry had evolved into a recognized profession. Flower shops became widespread, floristry training schools were established, and trade associations like the British Florist Association helped to standardise the industry. Floral services became integral to key life events such as weddings, funerals, celebrations, and holidays. Florists also continued to develop their skills in design, presentation, and customer service.
21st Century
Today, floristry in the UK is a vibrant blend of artistry, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Contemporary florists draw on global influences, embrace seasonal and local flowers, and often focus on environmentally conscious practices.
Floristry in the Romani and Traveller communities
Floristry has deep roots in the traditions of the Romani and Traveller communities in the UK and Ireland, particularly among Irish Travellers and Romani Gypsies. Historically, flower selling provided a flexible and accessible form of self-employment, especially for women, in societies where these communities often faced exclusion from formal employment opportunities.
Beyond the economic aspect, floristry holds cultural and emotional significance within these communities. Flowers play a prominent role in life events, particularly funerals, where elaborate and personalised floral tributes are expressions of love, respect, and identity.
Traditional crafts include the creation of “gypsy flowers,” decorative wooden flowers carved from materials like elder or hazel, seasonal wreaths and paper and fabric flower making.
Floristry involves a wide range of techniques that combine artistic design, botanical knowledge, and practical skill to create floral arrangements for various settings and occasions. Here are the key techniques commonly used in floristry:
Conditioning and Preparing Flowers– Before arranging, florists carefully condition flowers to ensure they last as long as possible.
Wiring and Taping -For delicate blooms or components used in corsages, boutonnieres, or floral crowns:
Hand-Tied Bouquets – A core skill in floristry, hand-tied bouquets involve spiralling stems in a circular, overlapping fashion to form a balanced arrangement, securing the bouquet with string or ribbon, often finished with decorative wrapping.
Floral Foam Techniques – also known as Oasis, floral foam is a water-absorbent base used for fixed arrangements. Flowers are inserted into the foam, which holds water and provides stability. Commonly used in funeral tributes, table centerpieces, and structured designs. Eco-conscious florists now explore alternatives, as traditional foam is not biodegradable.
Arranging in Vessels – This technique involves placing flowers in containers (vases, bowls, urns) using Grid work (e.g. floral tape or chicken wire) to structure the stems, and Layering and grouping to control colour, height, and focal points.
Sustainable and Foam-Free Techniques – Growing environmental awareness has led to using reusable structures like pin holders, moss, or chicken wire, Locally-sourced, seasonal flowers to reduce carbon footprint and an emphasis on recyclable packaging and avoiding plastic floral foam.
Wreath Making – Wreath making involves creating circular arrangements of flowers, foliage, twigs, or other materials, typically used for decoration or ceremonial purposes. Wreaths are commonly used for festive events, memorials, or as door décor, and can be made with fresh, dried, or artificial elements.
‘Gypsy Flower’ Making – ‘Gypsy flower’ making refers to a traditional British Romani craft that uses thin shavings of wood, usually hazel or willow, to create handcrafted, rose-like flowers. These rustic, decorative flowers were often made and sold at fairs or by street vendors and are known for their delicate, spiraled appearance.
Fabric Flower Making – Fabric flower making is the art of crafting flowers from textiles such as silk, cotton, or organza. This technique often involves cutting, shaping, and assembling fabric petals to mimic real blooms, and is commonly used in fashion accessories, millinery (hat making), and decorative arts.
Paper Flower Making – Paper flower making is the craft of designing and assembling lifelike or stylised flowers from various types of paper, such as crepe, tissue, or cardstock.
The British Floristry Association provides a comprehensive resource for floristry education and training.
