Beginner’s Guide to Floristry In Melbourne: Where to Start?
Have you ever admired a beautifully arranged bouquet and thought, “I wish I could do that”? Floristry is a creative and rewarding skill that allows you to work with nature’s most stunning gifts—flowers! Whether you want to become a professional florist or simply enjoy making flower arrangements for personal use, learning the basics is a great first step. If you’re in Melbourne and looking for an introduction to floristry, here’s your guide to getting started.
Why Learn Floristry?
Floristry is more than just arranging flowers—it’s a combination of creativity, technical skill, and an appreciation for nature. Learning floristry can benefit you in several ways:
- Start a new career – Floristry offers rewarding career opportunities, from working in flower shops to event styling.
- Express your creativity – Play with colour, shape, and texture to create unique floral arrangements.
- Enjoy a therapeutic hobby – Working with flowers can be relaxing and stress-relieving.
- Enhance your home and events – Create beautiful centrepieces for your home, weddings, or special occasions.
If you’re ready to begin, follow these steps to start your floristry journey.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Floristry
Floristry is more than just putting flowers in a vase—it’s an art that involves understanding flower care, design principles, and arrangement techniques. Beginners should start by learning:
- Flower types and their seasons – Knowing what flowers are available in Melbourne at different times of the year helps with selecting fresh, long-lasting blooms.
- Colour theory and composition – Learning how to balance colours and textures enhances the beauty of your arrangements.
- Basic tools – Scissors, floral tape, wires, and foam are essential for any florist.
- Flower care – Proper handling and conditioning techniques keep flowers fresh longer.
- Arrangement styles – Learn different styles, including hand-tied bouquets, cascading designs, and structured arrangements.
A strong foundation in these basics will help you build confidence as you start experimenting with floral designs.
Step 2: Start Practicing with Simple Arrangements
Before diving into complex designs, try creating a few simple arrangements at home. Start with:
- A hand-tied bouquet using fresh market flowers.
- A table centrepiece with seasonal flowers.
- A small posy perfect for gifting or home décor.
Practicing with different flower combinations and styles will help you develop confidence and refine your personal style. Consider experimenting with native Australian flowers like waratahs, kangaroo paws, and banksias for a unique local touch.
Step 3: Visit Melbourne’s Best Flower Markets
Melbourne is home to some fantastic flower markets where you can explore fresh, locally grown blooms. Some must-visit markets include:
- Queen Victoria Market – A bustling market with a variety of fresh flowers available throughout the week.
- South Melbourne Market – Home to well-known florists offering stunning seasonal blooms.
- Prahran Market – A great spot for high-quality flowers and unique floral finds.
- Dandenong Market – Known for affordable and fresh flowers, perfect for beginners practicing arrangements.
Exploring these markets will give you an opportunity to see different flower varieties, get inspiration, and understand seasonal availability. Visiting local florists and growers will also help you gain industry insights and practical knowledge.
Step 4: Learn from the Experts
One of the best ways to fast-track your floristry skills is by taking a beginner’s course. At DVLC, we offer an Introduction to Floristry course that provides hands-on training in flower selection, arrangement techniques, and industry insights. This short course is ideal for anyone looking to start a career in floristry or simply enjoy arranging flowers as a hobby.
For those who want to take their floristry skills further and gain a formal qualification, the SFL20115 Certificate II in Floristry (Assistant) is a great next step. This vocational course provides a structured pathway into the floristry industry, offering in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience to help you build a career as a florist assistant or start your own business.
Step 5: Develop Your Own Style
Once you’ve grasped the basics, start experimenting with your unique style. Here are a few ways to develop your creativity in floristry:
- Follow florists on Instagram and Pinterest – Discover different floral trends and techniques.
- Visit floral exhibitions – Events like the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show are perfect for inspiration.
- Experiment with different arrangements – Try out contemporary, vintage, or minimalist styles to find what suits you best.
- Use sustainable floristry techniques – Avoid floral foam and opt for eco-friendly mechanics like chicken wire or reusable containers.
Building a signature style will help you stand out whether you pursue floristry as a hobby or a profession.
Step 6: Keep Learning and Practicing
Floristry is a skill that improves with practice. The more you experiment with different arrangements, the better your designs will become. Here are some tips to stay motivated:
- Challenge yourself with themed arrangements – Try seasonal bouquets, wedding florals, or floral wreaths.
- Take part in workshops – Even experienced florists continue to learn new techniques.
- Network with other florists – Join local floristry communities or Facebook groups to connect with fellow flower lovers.
If you’re serious about learning, joining a floristry class like the one at DVLC can help you gain structured learning and expert guidance.
Step 7: Consider a Career in Floristry
If floristry has become more than a hobby for you, consider turning it into a career. Floristry jobs can include:
- Working in a flower shop or running your own boutique.
- Becoming a wedding and event florist.
- Specialising in funeral floristry.
- Creating floral displays for hotels and corporate clients.
Final Thoughts
Floristry is a beautiful and rewarding skill that allows you to bring joy to others through flowers. Whether you want to start a new career, develop a creative hobby, or simply make your home more beautiful, learning the art of floristry is an exciting journey.
If you’re ready to start, enrol in our Introduction to Floristry course at Diamond Valley Learning Centre (DVLC) today!