Review: The Art of Environmental Floristry

Learning with Experts ‘The Art of Environmental Floristry’ course with Shane Connolly is a superb introduction into a new and rapidly changing world of floristry – one that prioritises sustainability in both the design and business model.

Connolly takes participants through the fundamental subjects of design inspiration, origin of flower materials and consideration of seasons in this course, asking participants to mindfully consider, not automatically copy, as the key to developing a more thoughtful design process.

For the past 50 or so years, floristry has been shaped by a world of manufacturing and products, and a floriculture industry that sees flowers flown all over the world to meet consumer expectations that they can have whatever they want, whenever they want.

However, modern floristry is not sustainable.

From carbon and chemical costs associated with global transport to excessive use of plastics such as floral foam, there is so much to improve on.

Making the transition to more environmentally sustainable design involves a complete shift in design approach – one that challenges mainstream teaching methods that are designed only to prepare students for a commercial world.

Would recommend this course for both beginners and experienced florists who wish to gain an insight into the mind of an industry great who has consistently maintained these principles throughout a highly distinguished career. 

Rita Feldmann, Founder, Sustainable Floristry Network.