Floristry vs. Horticulture: Which career path should you choose?

If you're passionate about working with plants, you may be considering studying one of Melbourne Polytechnic's Floristry courses or Horticulture courses at our leafy Fairfield campus.

Both of these fields can be incredibly rewarding, but they have distinct differences that can make one path a better fit than the other.

By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of which career path is the right one for you.

A closer look at Floristry:

Floristry is the art of arranging flowers and creating beautiful bouquets for special occasions such as weddings, funerals and other events.

Florists are responsible for selecting the right flowers for a particular occasion, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing way and ensuring they stay fresh and healthy. They may also work with other materials such as ribbons, vases and other decorative elements.

To be successful in Floristry, you should have a creative eye for colour and design. You'll need to be able to visualise how different flowers will look together and how to create arrangements that will be visually appealing. Attention to detail is also crucial, as you'll need to ensure that each flower is placed just right and that the overall arrangement is balanced.

Types of Floristry:

Floristry is a multifaceted field with several specialisations, including:

Retail Floristry:

This involves the sale of flowers, plants and other plant materials directly to consumers. Retail florists often run flower shops or kiosks and provide personalised arrangements for various occasions.

Wholesale Floristry:

Wholesale florists supply flowers, plants and other materials to retailers and businesses. They play a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring that fresh flowers are available for retail florists and event planners.

Event Floristry:

Event florists specialise in creating floral arrangements and designs for special events such as weddings, corporate events and parties. They work closely with clients to design bespoke arrangements that enhance the ambiance of the event.

Botanical Gardens:

Florists working in botanical gardens focus on the cultivation and display of plants and flowers in a controlled environment. These gardens serve as educational and recreational spaces, showcasing a diverse range of plant species.

Horticultural Industry:

This sector involves the cultivation and production of plants and flowers for commercial purposes. Florists in this industry work in production nurseries, ensuring the healthy growth and supply of plants for various markets.

What are the practical skills needed for Floristry?

In addition to creativity and attention to detail, florists need to have excellent communication skills. They'll need to work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences and then translate those preferences into beautiful arrangements. They will also need to be able to work under pressure, as events such as weddings and funerals often have tight deadlines.

Florists should also have a good understanding of floristry techniques and the science behind plants. They'll need to know how to care for different types of flowers and plant species and how to keep them fresh and healthy. This includes knowing how to properly cut flowers, how much water to give each plant and how to keep them at the right temperature.

Floristry courses and training:

While a formal education is not always necessary to enter the Floristry industry, many florists choose to pursue a degree or certification in Floristry. These programs can offer valuable training in design, plant care and business management. Whereas Horticulture courses are essential for individuals looking to start or advance their horticulture career as they provide practical skills and knowledge such as plant care and disease management.

Many community colleges and vocational institutes, like Melbourne Polytechnic, offer Floristry certificates, with pathways to Horticulture programs. Additionally, many florists offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships for those interested in the field. 

What are the career opportunities in Floristry?

Florists can work in a variety of settings, including flower shops, grocery stores and event-planning firms. Some florists also choose to start their own floristry business, which can be a challenging but rewarding path.

There are also opportunities for advancement in the field, such as becoming a head designer or opening a chain of flower shops. Additionally, some florists choose to specialise in a particular type of arrangement, such as wedding bouquets or funeral arrangements.

Floristry and sustainability:

As an industry closely tied to the natural environment, sustainability is a key concern in floristry. Many florists are now adopting sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced and organic materials, reducing waste and minimising their carbon footprint. Innovative techniques like hydroponics and vertical gardening are being employed to lessen environmental impact. Additionally, many florists offer sustainable and eco-friendly options, such as recycled and biodegradable materials, catering to consumers who are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

What is Horticulture?

Horticulture is the science of plant cultivation and propagation. Horticulturists work to improve the growth, quality and productivity of plants and often focus on areas such as plant breeding, pest management and landscaping. Crop production is a vital aspect of horticulture, promoting sustainable gardening and agriculture practices.

Horticulturists may work in a wide variety of settings, from nurseries and greenhouses to botanical gardens and public parks. Land management plays a crucial role in various career pathways within the horticulture field.

What are the skills needed for Horticulture?

In addition to a love of plants, horticulturists should have a strong understanding of soil science, plant physiology and pest management. They’ll need to be able to identify different types of plants and understand their specific care requirements. Acquiring technical skills is essential for improving practical capabilities and industry qualifications in horticulture.

Horticulturists should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They’ll need to be able to diagnose plant problems and come up with solutions to improve their health and growth. Mastering plant identification is crucial in horticulture education and career preparation. Additionally, enhancing technical skills in managing tree health is important for safety and efficiency in tree care and overall horticultural training.

Horticulture courses and training:

A qualification in Horticulture or a related field is usually required to become a horticulturist. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Horticulture AHC40422 covers plant nutrition, irrigation and operation of specialist machinery. With the opportunity to pathway into further qualifications such as the Diploma of Applied Horticulture Science 22650VIC.

In addition to formal education, Horticulture students can gain experience through internships or working in the field. Hands-on experience in constructing irrigation and drainage systems is an essential part of horticulture training. Continuing education is also important in this field, as new plant varieties and technologies are constantly being developed.

What are the career opportunities in the Horticulture industry?

Horticulture courses are essential for individuals looking to start or advance their horticulture career, providing practical skills and knowledge in plant care and disease management. Horticulturists can work in a variety of settings, from public parks to private gardens to research institutions, while some may choose to start their own landscaping or nursery businesses.

There are also opportunities for advancement in the field, such as becoming a head horticulturist at a public garden or working in plant breeding for a seed company. Additionally, some horticulturists choose to specialise in a particular area of plant science, such as arboriculture or sports turf management. Pursuing a career in horticulture can lead to a rewarding career with potential for personal growth and leadership roles.

Which career path is best?

Choosing between Floristry and Horticulture ultimately comes down to your interests, practical skills and career goals.

If you have a creative eye for design and enjoy working with clients on special events, our Certificate II in Floristry (Assistant) SFL20115 or Certificate III in Floristry SFL30115 Non-Apprenticeship may be a better fit for you. If you’re passionate about plant science and enjoy problem-solving, our Horticulture courses may be the way to go. These courses are essential for individuals looking to start or advance their horticulture career.

Regardless of which path you choose, both Floristry and Horticulture can be incredibly rewarding careers that allow you to work with beautiful plants and make a positive impact on the environment. With the right training, skills and dedication, you can succeed in either field and enjoy a fulfilling career doing what you love.