Content Outline and Competencies:

I.  Basic Materials, Containers and Tools
   A. Identify the different mechanical materials used in a flower
arrangement
   B. Select an appropriate container for each intended use
   C. Identify the different tools and demonstrate their uses
   D. Construct the mechanical portion of an arrangement using various
containers

II. Receiving and Unpacking Floral Materials
   A. Identify floral preservatives and explain how they prolong the shelf
life of fresh flowers
   B. Unpack and store flowers properly using approved industry
techniques
   C. Explain holding temperatures, stem preparation, flower shelf life
and sanitation practices used for stocking cut flowers and plants

III. Identification of the Different Flowers and Their Use in the Floral
Arrangement
   A. Select appropriate flowers and greens that work well together
   B. Identify the use of the flower in the arrangement
   C. Determine the logical steps required 
   D. Identify each flower by its common name and prime season of growth
   E. Create a floral design using common flowers found in Kansas and
Missouri

IV. Bow Making and the Various Mechanics
   A. Construct a corsage bow using appropriate ribbon size
   B. Construct a potted plant bow using appropriate ribbon size
   C. Construct a wreath bow using appropriate ribbon size
   D. Demonstrate the construction of bow variations using multiple
ribbons and other materials

V. Principles of Design
   A. Explain the principles of design, including balance, composition,
harmony, focal point, proportion, line, rhythm, texture, form, space and
color   
   B. Create an arrangement that has proper symmetrical balance, 2/3
proportion, rhythm and harmony
   C. Create an arrangement that has proper asymmetrical balance, focal
point, negative space, dramatic line, and unity
   D. Be able to take any floral design and describe 5 principles of
design that are utilized in the arrangement
   E. Distinguish textures of flowers and greens and the possible uses

VI. Color Theory
   A. Describe the use of color to determine focal points, depth, balance,
rhythm, and unity
   B. Combine colors to direct the movement of the eye
   C. Create a floral design using an analogous color harmony
   D. Create a floral design using a monochromatic color harmony
   E. Create a floral design using a complimentary color harmony

VII. Traditional Designs
   A. Describe what determines a traditional design
   B. Create a floral arrangement with traditional characteristics
   C. Describe the appropriate flowers for traditional designs

VIII. Cut Flowers for the Home and Accent
   A. Determine appropriate uses of garden flowers in the home
   B. Construct a centerpiece for the table
   C. Describe the appropriate flowers for traditional designs

IX. Seasonal Flowers and Occasions
   A. Construct a seasonal arrangement
   B. Demonstrate the use of novelties in wreaths
   C. Describe the use of flower themes for different occasions
   D. Demonstrate how to use and maintain a pick machine
   E. Demonstrate the use of a glue gun in wreath making
   F. Identify flowers appropriate for each season

X. Drying and Preserving Flowers
   A. Demonstrate several methods of drying fresh flowers
   B. Demonstrate how glycerin is used in preserving fresh flowers
   C. Construct a floral design using the fresh flowers that were
preserved

XI. Holiday Floral Arrangements and Flower Identification
   A. Use holiday greens in wreath and door swag
   B. Construct a holiday arrangement using candles
   C. Construct a holiday arrangement using ornaments
   D. Explain the variety of mechanical options using holiday materials
   E. Create a centerpiece for the holidays

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Basic Materials, Containers and Tools
   A. Contrast the different mechanical materials that distinguish
traditional from
Contemporary
   B. Select containers suitable for Contemporary designs
   C. Identify the various oasis bricks, cages, rings and adhesives
   D. Identify the different tools and demonstrate their uses
   E. Construct the mechanical portion of a contemporary design using the
various containers

II. Receiving and Unpacking Floral Materials
   A. Unpack and store flowers properly using approved industry
techniques
   B. Explain the chain of life
   C. Explain holding temperatures, stem preparation, flower shelf life
and sanitation practices used for stocking cut flowers and plants

III. Identification of the different flowers and their use in the
contemporary style
   A. Give several examples of flowers and foliages from each shape group
that can be used in Contemporary Design
   B. Identify which containers will enhance line flowers/foliage and form
flowers/foliage
   C. Evaluate the best flowers/foliage for focal point in a design

IV. Basic Asian Design
   A. Construct an Ikebana, Rikka, Nageire, Heika, and Moribana design
   B. Construct an Asian design with a Western influence
   C. Demonstrate various asymmetrical designs using the counterbalance
properly
   D. Trace the history of oriental design
   E. Describe the common rules of Japanese Designs and construct a floral
arrangement with these rules

V. Techniques of Contemporary Design
   A. Construct various designs using the following techniques
      1. Terracing
      2. Clustering
      3. Sequencing
      4. Grouping
      5. Shadowing
      6. Framing
   B. Describe how techniques are related to make a distinctive design

VI. Various Tying Techniques
   A. Construct various designs using the following Tying Techniques
      1. Banding
      2. Binding
      3. Bunding
      4. Wrapping
   B. Describe how techniques are related to make a distinctive design

VII. Basing Techniques
   A. Construct various designs using the following Basing Techniques
      1. Biedermeier
      2. Pave’
      3. Pillowing
      4. Layering
   B. Describe how techniques are related to make a distinctive design

VIII. Vegetative Designs
   A. Construct various designs using the following Vegetative Techniques
      1. Parallel Vegetative
      2. New Convention
      3. Landscape
   B. Describe how techniques are related to make a distinctive design

IX. Seasonal Contemporary Design
   A. Construct a seasonal arrangement using the Techniques of Design
   B. Demonstrate the Techniques of Design to be used on wreaths
   C. Construct several contemporary designs relating to a particular
theme
   D. Create a contemporary design with novelty items
   E. Construct a holiday design with an Asian influence

X. Contemporary Vase Design
   A. Construct a vase design using a variety of vase shapes
      1. Cylinder
      2. Low Bowl
      3. Square
      4. Bud Vase

XI. Permanent Flowers and Dried Materials in Contemporary Design
   A. Use permanent materials to create a contemporary design
   B. Incorporate dried materials such as pods, berries, sticks with silk
materials that have an Asian influence
   C. Demonstrate various methods of cleaning permanent designs
   D. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of permanent and fresh
designs

XII. Current Trends and Influence in Contemporary Design
   A. Describe the influence of fashion design, interior design, and other
types of design on floral styles
   B. Discuss the importance of keeping current with trends in order to be
competitive in the marketplace

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Need for Plants
   A. Cite several facts regarding the plant bloom, statistics, growth,
and trends
   B. Describe the psychological need for plants
   C. List several ways in which green plants enhance the environment
   D. Describe horticultural therapy and why it is successful

II. Plant Nomenclature
   A. Identify 8-10 plants per week by their botanical and common names
   B. Describe each plants characteristics, such as leaf structure,
pattern of growth, rate of growth and native habitat
   C. Determine the optimal growing conditions for each plant 
      1. Light
      2. Temperature
      3. Atmosphere
      4. Moisture 

III. Plant Anatomy and Physiology
   A. State several characteristics of the shoot and root system of a
plant
   B. Explain the vascular system and the important of it in relation to
each plant
   C. Explain photosynthesis
   D. Discuss the effect auxin has on phototropism and geotropism
   E. Relate the principal of apical dominance to its use in commercial
production of plants

IV. Growing Medium
   A. Define soil texture and structure and identify the components which
influence them
   B. Give an example of a good soil mixture in relation to drainage and
mineral content for foliage plants, and for succulents
   C. Describe the methods of pasteurization of the soil medium
   D. Describe a soil-less media and its applications

V. Plant Propagation
   A. Explain the various types of propagation, their advantages and
disadvantages, to include
      1. Tip cuttings
      2. Leaf cuttings
      3. Offshoots
      4. Air layering
      5. Division
      6. Seeds
      7. Spores
   B. Analyze the reasons why asexual propagation is recommended over
sexual propagation
   C. List several methods to obtain disease free plant materials to use
in propagation
   D. Differentiate between the different types of medium used for
propagation
   E. State the ideal temperature and moisture requirements needed to
ensure root formation

VI. Plant Environmental Conditions
   A. Describe the 10 physiological plant responses to light and give an
example of how these responses are influenced by high and low light
   B. Explain the characteristics of natural sunlight and its benefits and
hazards
   C. Describe various types of artificial light
   D. Explain the effects of photoperiodism and how it relates to
flowering
   E. Analyze the various factors which influence the frequency of
watering
   F. Describe the effects of relative humidity and air pollutants on
plants
   G. Describe the effects of high and low temperatures on plants

VII. Container Growing
   A. Design and construct a dish garden
   B. Design and construct a terrarium
   C. Design and construct a hanging basket
   D. Design and construct a succulent/cacti garden

VIII. Plant Nutrition
   A. List the 10 elements essential for plant growth
   B. Distinguish between the macro and micro nutrients
   C. Describe a nutrient as to its source, function in the plant and its
deficiency symptom
   D. Identify the toxic substances which might be present and cause
injury to plants

IX. Plant Problems
   A. Identify the most common indoor pests which attack foliage plants,
describe their characteristics, the damage and control procedures
   B. Describe the 4 most common diseases which cause damage to foliage
plants, their characteristics, the damage and control procedures
   C. Explain how various pesticides work

X. Cacti and Succulents
   A. List the characteristics of succulents and cacti
   B. Describe how cacti and succulents evolved and developed and their
native habitats
   C. Explain the cultivation of cacti and succulents such as
      1. Potting soil
      2. Watering
      3. Temperature
      4. Light
      5. Ventilation
      6. Propagation
      7. Grafting

XI. Interior Plantscaping
   A. Describe the guidelines one should follow when installing foliage
plants
   B. Identify the proper requirements necessary for maintenance
   C. State the considerations one must follow when preparing a
maintenance contract

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Marketing, Promotion and Advertising
   A. Identify future brides via newspaper announcements and websites
   B. Network with other vendors such as photographers, reception sites,
cake decorators, bridal gown shops, etc. to gain referrals
   C. Contact bridal show venues and gather information on hosting a
booth
   D. Create an attractive advertising campaign

II. Wedding Consultants
   A. Write the characteristics of a successful Wedding Consultant
   B. Describe the tools and materials needed
   C. Hold a mock wedding consultation, discussing an entire wedding,
using a wedding order form

III. Bridal Bouquets
   A. Design a cascade bridal bouquet
   B. Design a round, hand-tied bridal bouquet
   C. Design a formal arm bouquet
   D. Design a pomander bouquet
   E. Be able to suggest colors and types of flowers to go with the
bridesmaids dresses

IV. Corsages and Boutonnieres
   A. Design corsages for the mother of the bride, grandmother, and
assistants using a variety of flowers. Differentiate between the types of
corsages.
   B. Design an assortment of boutonnieres using a variety of flowers and
foliage in each

V. Flower Girl Accessories
   A. Create several hair pieces for a flower girl to include a wreath,
partial wreath, and a comb
   B. Decorate a basket for the flower girl
   C. Describe several options for the flower girl’s walk down the
aisle

VI. Ceremony and Church Décor
   A. Interview several church wedding coordinators to learn the rules and
regulations concerning flower displays
   B. Create an altar bouquet
   C. Construct a pew bow and describe several methods of attaching the
bows
   D. Construct a garland for the various candelabras used in churches
   E. Create a floral accessory for the unity candle
   F. Be able to suggest a variety of green plants and blooming plants to
enhance the ceremony

VII. Outdoor Weddings
   A. Decorate an arch and chuppah, making sure the flowers and greens
selection is appropriate
   B. Design an altar like setting for an outdoor wedding.
   C. Explain the challenges of decorating for an outdoor wedding

VIII. Reception Centerpiece Designs
   A. Design a variety of low centerpieces with several price points
   B. Create all centerpieces that are practical from a guest’s
perspective
   C. Use a variety of glass vases and create interesting designs

IX. Flower Enhancements 
   A. Construct a cake topper
   B. Identify the challenges in decorating a cake with flowers
   C. Decorate a cake with flowers
   D. Decorate the cake knife and server with bows and floral accessories
   E. Drape the cake table with a variety of fabrics and techniques for a
round and rectangular table

X. Servicing a Wedding
   A. Drape a head table with a variety of fabrics and techniques
   B. Describe and create several options for flowers at the Head Table
   C. Describe and create a variety of centerpieces for the Rehearsal
Dinner
   D. Create a variety of floral accessories for a Bridal Shower
   E. Pin boutonnieres and corsages on the attendants, hand the bouquets
to the bride and the bridesmaids
   F. Describe your experience and explain why this is an important
step

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Importance of Special Event Designs
   A. Describe the effect flowers have on special events.
   B. Describe the difference between Special Event Designs and everyday designs.

II. Large Scale Designs
   A. Explain the size relationships of a floral piece that will be placed on a buffet table.
   B. Determine the appropriate height and width of a buffet floral.
   C. Explain why the base of the buffet floral should be as small as possible.

III. TYPES OF BUFFET DESIGNS
   A. Describe the containers and flowers used in a traditional buffet design.
   B. Describe the containers and flowers used in a contemporary buffet design.
   C. Summarize current trends in buffet designs.

IV. THEMED BUFFET DESIGNS
   A. Describe how to incorporate Southwestern accessories into the flowers as well as at the base of the design.
   B. Describe how to incorporate Asian accessories into the flowers as well as at the base of the design.
   C. Describe various holiday accessories to incorporate into the flowers.
   D. Describe what makes Kansas City unique from other cities and the props to be used in and around the flowers.
   E. Construct each of these themed designs.
 
V. Importance of Sympathy Flowers
   A. Describe a recent funeral that you attended and the flowers that were present.
   B. Describe why flowers are comforting at a funeral.

VI. History and Trends
   A. Describe the floral tributes of the 1900’s and their relevance today.
   B. Develop alternative phrases and strategies around the phrase: “in lieu of flowers”.
   C. Summarize current trends in sympathy designs.

VII. Standing Sympathy Tributes
   A. Design and construct a double-end easel spray.
   B. Design and construct a pedestal arrangement.
   
VIII. Casket Adornments
   A. Design and construct a full couch casket spray.
   B. Design and construct a half couch casket spray.
           
IX. Delivery and Service
   A. Deliver several sympathy pieces to a funeral home.
   B. Write an enclosure card for a sympathy piece.

X.  Altar Designs
   A. Describe how an altar design is different from a buffet design.
   B. Describe what colors work best for an altar design.
   C. Compare and contrast the use of altar designs for a variety of religious traditions.
   D. Distinguish between an asymmetrical altar design and a symmetrical design and determine which is appropriate for a given environment.

XI.  Reception Designs
     A. Construct tall reception centerpieces using sound mechanics.
     B. Describe which flowers and foliage will drape and which will stand vertically in a tall reception centerpiece.       
     C. Describe the challenges of delivery on tall reception centerpieces.
     D. Describe at least 5 different ways to construct a variety of pedestals for a tall reception centerpiece.
     E. Explain how the flowers are held together at the top of the tall reception centerpiece.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Flower Shop Types
   A. Describe the function of a retail flower shop and its value to the community.
   B. Describe a full service, specialty, and limited-service flower shop and give the advantages and disadvantages of each.
   C. Identify the various locations of a flower shop and give the advantages of each.
   D. Design an efficient work area to include:
     1. Sink placement
     2. Refrigerator install
     3. Work space
     4. Storage
     5. Phone desk
     6. Delivery area
     7. Receiving area
   E. Design an effective sales room to include:
      1. Sales counter
      2. Displays
      3. Consultation room
      4. Window display
   F. Describe the goal of visual merchandising.
   G. Create an attractive vignette, windows display, and in-store display.
   H. Create a portfolio of attractive visual merchandising displays for each season.

IV. Flower Shop Job Descriptions
   A. Write a job description for each employee.
      1. Owner
      2. Manager
      3. Sales
      4. Designer
      5. Delivery
      6. Accounting
   B. Diagram the organization of employees in different types of flower shops.

V. Flower Shop Business Procedures
   A. Identify software used in floral shop related areas.
         1. Accounts receivable and payable
         2. Inventory
         3. Payroll management
   B. Analyze sales data.
   C. Demonstrate sending and receiving wire orders (online order entry).

VI. Flower Shop Marketing
   A. Write a marketing plan to target the potential customer base.
   B. Describe how to establish a loyal customer base.
   C. Identify the loyal customers and their buying patterns and preferences.
   D. Develop an advertising and promotion campaign for each season.
   E. Develop a floral presentation for local flower societies (garden clubs, rose societies, etc.).
   F. Create an event plan for a Christmas and Spring open house.

VIII. Sales Cycle and Customer Relations
   A. Practice basic customer service techniques used in a flower shop.
   B. Perform salesmanship with several types of customers using passive and assertive styles.
   C. Describe several ways to up-sell and existing order.
   D. Describe value-added service.
   E. Demonstrate a proficiency in all types of selling:
      1. In-store
      2. Telephone
      3. Solicitation

F. Describe three methods of a delivery service.
   G. Analyze cost of a delivery vehicle to determine the delivery price.
 

IX. Buying and Pricing
   A. Determine the appropriate amount of flowers to purchase for the various events such as weddings, holidays, parties, etc.
   B. Determine pricing using the ratio markup method.
   C. Determine pricing using the standard divisional pricing method.
   D. Complete a design control worksheet and make the planned arrangement.
   E.  Create several arrangements for a given price.

XI. Management and Employee Relations
   A. Differentiate between a micro and macro manager.
   B. Discuss various ways to attract and keep qualified employees.
   C. Discuss best techniques for interviewing,  motivational speaking, training and dismissal of employees.
   D. Evaluate labor cost and product cost.
   E. Determine a monthly quota for the salesperson and designer.
   F. Maintain proper records for a shop and prepare a balance sheet and income statement.