Did You Know?
Anna Jarvis, who started Mother's Day in 1908, asked people to wear a carnation, her mother's favorite flower. When carnation prices shot up, she was so upset with florists and candy makers that she made a button the holiday's official emblem instead.
How to Get Started
Getting started as a florist begins with looking closely at the flowers and plants around you and experimenting with how they fit together. You can practice the skills florists use, like combining colors, caring for cut stems, and designing something that makes someone smile, long before you ever work in a shop.
Explore the Basics
With a grown-up, visit a grocery store, farmers market, or garden and look at as many different flowers as you can find. Pick three that are different colors, shapes, or sizes and talk about what makes each one interesting. Draw the three flowers and label them with the name on the tag or sign.
Try It Out
With a grown-up, collect flowers, leaves, or interesting greenery from your yard or garden. Only pick plants where you have permission, and never from parks or other people's gardens. Fill a jar or cup with water, arrange what you found so it looks good from every side, and give it to someone in your family. Ask them what they notice first.
Join the Community
With a grown-up, visit a local flower shop or the flower stand at a farmers market at a time when it is not too busy and watch how the florist works. Notice how they handle the flowers, what tools they use, and how they talk with customers. Ask one question, like "What is your favorite flower to work with?" and tell someone at home what you learned.