Articles
WildFlowers Australia national student floristry competition
Article number
1463_14
Pages
89 – 94
Language
English
Abstract
The history and evolution of this competition is outlined below.
The aim of the competition is to encourage senior Australian floristry students to learn about native Australian and botanically related South African species.
Until the 1980s, Australian native products were colloquially called ‘Natives’! However, many growers of ‘native’ products also grew related South African species and especially Proteaceae. The industry struggled to find a name that embraced all products and eventually the name ‘Australian Wildflowers’ was coined.
Unfortunately, some retail florists and educators are still unable to distinguish between Australian and South African species.
To address this deficiency various educational programs have been instigated.
The competition targeted Australian floristry students studying at Certificate III level who apply practical design elements and principles learnt in class.
Working with their teachers, participants research, design and make an arrangement to suit a changing annual theme.
They also submit specific documentation including a minimum of 3 photos of their work.
At least 75% of the total plant material used must be flowers and foliage from species tracing their origins to either Australia or related South African species.
Up to 25% of the balance may be traditional, exotic or tropical flowers.
Students are required to describe their design inspiration and execution, list the products used (botanical and common names) and explain how they constructed their submission.
In recent years a small research task has been included to extend student learning.
A judging panel consisting of experienced florists and educators assesses the entries and selects the winners.
Allied industry members and growers support the competition financially by covering costs and prizes.
The aim of the competition is to encourage senior Australian floristry students to learn about native Australian and botanically related South African species.
Until the 1980s, Australian native products were colloquially called ‘Natives’! However, many growers of ‘native’ products also grew related South African species and especially Proteaceae. The industry struggled to find a name that embraced all products and eventually the name ‘Australian Wildflowers’ was coined.
Unfortunately, some retail florists and educators are still unable to distinguish between Australian and South African species.
To address this deficiency various educational programs have been instigated.
The competition targeted Australian floristry students studying at Certificate III level who apply practical design elements and principles learnt in class.
Working with their teachers, participants research, design and make an arrangement to suit a changing annual theme.
They also submit specific documentation including a minimum of 3 photos of their work.
At least 75% of the total plant material used must be flowers and foliage from species tracing their origins to either Australia or related South African species.
Up to 25% of the balance may be traditional, exotic or tropical flowers.
Students are required to describe their design inspiration and execution, list the products used (botanical and common names) and explain how they constructed their submission.
In recent years a small research task has been included to extend student learning.
A judging panel consisting of experienced florists and educators assesses the entries and selects the winners.
Allied industry members and growers support the competition financially by covering costs and prizes.
Publication
Authors
B. Gollnow, D. Thomas
Keywords
WildFlowers Australia, Australian species, South African Proteaceae, floristry, floristry students, education
Online Articles (14)