Programs in floral design prepare people to run businesses that provide flowers to customers. Students learn how to buy, store, and deliver plants. They study the basics of plant science and care. They also practice arranging flowers and plants for specific occasions.

You're at the neighborhood florist the day before Mother's Day, and you notice someone about to pay for a bouquet. You shake your head because you notice that the bouquet has purple lilacs, symbols of first love. You wish you could advise this customer to buy chrysanthemums, for longevity, or orchids for love, beauty, and wisdom.

Does this situation sound like something you've experienced? Do you consider yourself a flower expert with a flair for design? You may have just found the perfect program of study for yourself. Studying floral design prepares you to own your own floral business, whether that may be a florist, a greenhouse, or even a nursery.

As a student in this program, you take courses in basic plant science and horticulture. Learning the scientific principles of growing plants teaches you to store and take care of flowers. If you're interested in working with flowers on a deeper scientific level, you could also learn to improve the quality of existing flowers or help develop a new kind, such as the blue rose. Studying the growth and development of flowers on a scientific basis is called "floriculture."

Because floral design involves both a creative spirit and a sharp mind for business, you take courses both in floral design and business management. You learn to put together arrangements for weddings, funerals, receptions, and other special occasions. You study principles of accounting, purchasing, and sales.

A handful of schools offer programs in floral design where you can earn a certificate or an associate degree. A certificate typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to a year of full-time study. An associate degree usually takes two years of study after high school.