From learning the basics of flower arranging to tapping into floral creativity to becoming a fully qualified florist, there is a course to suit everyone.

By Gardens Illustrated Team

Published: Tuesday, 14 November 2023 at 13:01 PM


Floristry is on the rise, with more and more people turning to their own green space for a source of beautiful cut flowers. With a little guidance you can learn to arrange beautiful, home-grown blooms in an eye-catching way. But regardless of whether you’re growing your own flowers, or you’ve bought a bunch, knowing how to arrange flowers can be a great way of maximising your enjoyment of them.

So now is a great time to learn a little more about floristry and how to arrange flowers. There are plenty of ways to learn. While some courses are online, others offer in-person tuition. There are day and half-day workshops too if that suits you better.

Each course has a different focus, from studying seasonal blooms to sustainable floristry to nurturing your creativity. There’s also a selection of courses for those that want to take things a little further and turn their love of flowers into a professional career.

Read on to discover the best eight floristry courses on offer.

Looking for books? Here’s the best floristry books out there

The best floristry courses and workshops

Online Art of Environmental Floristry

Best for classic designs

Image: Online Art of Environmental Floristry Course with an Expert for One / buyagift.co.uk

Add a touch of regal magic to your floristry skills with a course led by designer Shane Connolly. Shane was commissioned to design the floral decorations for the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, and the King’s coronation in 2023.

There’s a strong focus on environmentally friendly floristry techniques. Students will learn expert tips on sustainable floristry, and gain insight into Shane’s artistic process.

This course offers four lessons, personalised feedback, plus coaching and assignments marked by Shane. An online classroom with up to 20 classmates will ensure you don’t feel too isolated when studying.

Buy now from BuyAGift

Spring Sustainable Floristry with Shane Connolly

Best for sustainable floristry

A floral bouquet in a bowl
Image: Spring Sustainable Floristry with Shane Connolly / sarahraven.com

If you’d rather learn from Shane Connolly in person, then join him on a course on sustainable floristry in East Sussex. The day workshop takes place at the home of gardener and writer Sarah Raven.

During the morning session the focus is on flower sourcing, foraging in the garden, and low-carbon footprint flowers. After an afternoon demo from Shane, the group will head out into Sarah’s Brightling garden to learn how to pick flowers for maximum effect and minimum cost to the environment.

The day lasts from 10.30 until 5pm and includes tea/coffee on arrival, plus a two-course lunch using recipes from Sarah’s cookbooks.

  • £220
  • In person tuition
  • April 11 2024

Book now at Sarah Raven

MasterClass: Design stunning floral arrangements

Best for creativity

Maurice Harris amongst flowers
Image: MasterClass: Design stunning floral arrangements / masterclass.com

Maurice Harris is an LA-based celebrity florist with a big Insta following. The designer and owner of Bloom & Plume can tick off some A-listers as clients, including Luis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci. He is known for his humour and creativity and this course look set to be full of both.

Maurice promises to teach students how to find their inner, unique voice. The course covers basic lessons in essential tools and processing flowers. You will learn how to use colour and texture, and amplify floral creativity. Students will learn five different arrangements with feedback and group discussion.

  • MasterClass membership starts at £10 per month
  • Online only
  • Suitable for all levels

Become a Masterclass member

The complete floristry masterclass with Willow Crossley

Best for seasonal displays

Willow Crossley with flowers
Image: The complete floristry masterclass with Willow Crossley / createacademy.com

Willow Crossley is a respected author and designer who has written four books on floral styling. She is known for her devotion to sustainable floristry and her investigations into the relationship we have with nature. Join Willow online for this course that is filmed from her Cotswolds home studio.

There are 43 lessons in total, each as 15-minute episodes. Learn the tricks of the floristry trade including sourcing flowers and creating beautiful arrangements for different occasions.

From small bouquets to big displays, all the projects are seasonal and taught step-by-step.

  • £147
  • Online only
  • Downloadable workbooks

Buy now from Create Academy

Classic hand-tied bouquet workshop

Best for beginners

People making hand-tied bouquets
Image: Classic hand-tied bouquet workshop / moysesflowers.co.uk

Rookies looking to develop their floristry skills with a flourish will enjoy this introductory workshop at the Moyses Stevens headquarters in Battersea, London. Students will learn how to create a luxurious hand bouquet with seasonal flowers.

The two-hour session will give guidance on the basics of flower care including how to maximise the life of your blooms. There will be a step-by-step demonstration with tutor support.

Moyses Stevens promises a large and tasteful selection of flowers and foliage. Students will return with a take-home bouquet.

  • £95
  • Group tuition
  • Experienced tutor

Buy now from Moyses Flowers

Best floristry courses for business

Floristry Business Diploma

Best low-cost course

Woman making bouquet
Image: Floristry Business Diploma / centreofexcellence.com

Are you ready to move your love of flowers beyond a passionate hobby and into a career? This Level 3 course will teach you both the creative and business knowledge you need to run your own floristry business.

The six modules include arrangements, weddings, running your own shop and marketing. There are 150 hours of tuition and there is no time limit for completion.

The course is accredited by the Quality Licence Scheme, and you will receive certification on completion.

  • RRP £147 but often reduced
  • Online only with study group access
  • Lifetime access to materials

Buy now from Centre of Excellence

Is floristry the career for me?

Best for career guidance

Woman making floral arrangement

Are you unsure whether to turn your passion for flowers into a career? This US-based Skillshare course will help you make that decision.

Floral designer Deb Jasinski leads nine sessions that cover a wide range of topics on what is required to work as a florist. Deb will discuss the essential skills, qualifications, physical demands, salary and rewards of working as a florist.

The designer has 30 years of experience as a florist and designer, and this is an honest look at what she says is a “fulfilling career in an exciting industry”.

  • £10.83 / $14 per month for Skillshare access
  • Online only
  • Includes a class project

Become a Skillshare member

Floristry QLS Level 3

Best for basic skills

Person making floral bouquets
Image: Floristry QLS Level 3 / openstudycollege.com

This year-long course teaches students the basics of floristry with a view to developing these skills into a career. Course materials are delivered by post or email with tutor support offered by email.

Students can expect to complete 100 hours of study with 12 months to complete the course. Topics covered include understanding the tools and equipment required to be a florist, the importance of design and colour in floristry, and the methods to care for flowers and foliage.

  • £419
  • Online only
  • Receive a Certificate of Achievement in Floristry Level 3

Buy now from Open Study College

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