Floral Training
Floral Training
The Ollie & Ivy Flower School is a creative sanctuary for those who love flowers. Our philosophy is simple - floral design is what you want it to be. We provide the techniques and inspiration and give you with the creative freedom and space to interpret the brief and develop your own floral practice. Whether you are considering a career change or simply want to learn more about floristry, our courses are designed with the modern florist in mind.
FLOWER SCHOOL FAQ
FLOWER SCHOOL FAQs
1. What is the difference between floral training and a flower workshop?
All our classes are designed to improve your knowledge and skills in floristry. With the exception of Become an Event Florist, all are suitable for beginners and whilst workshops provide a fun opportunity and a fabulous day out for anyone with an interest in flowers, our floral training is aimed at those who are considering taking their passion a bit further and immersing themselves in the discipline. Of course, not everyone wants to be a florist, but our floral training programme provides a grounding in the basic techniques and can be used as a springboard into further study.
2. How are classes structured?
We understand the world of floristry can be a little daunting for beginners so whether you are attending a workshop or a programme, we structure our teaching so that each stage is completed before we move on to the next. No participant or student is left behind and we make sure each person receives the right level of support to successfully create their arrangement.
3. What will I learn on a level one training course?
The Weekend Florist and our Floral Foundations programme allow students the experience of working with fresh and dried flowers. Each course is structured so that students experience working on a series of individual and group-based projects. You will learn about the key the design principles of colour, composition, texture, form and movement. You will also learn about sustainable floristry practices and we will share with you our knowledge of the floral industry.
4. What is the difference between the level one programmes?
Both courses follow a similar structure, but our five-day Floral Foundations course gives you the opportunity to explore foraged florals and engage in more group projects. There will also be more opportunity to learn about pricing and the business of floristry, helping you to understand the pitfalls new florists face and guidance on how to short circuit these problems. For those serious about a career in floristry, we recommend our five-day course as this allows you to grow in confidence and gain a deeper sense of the creative process.
5. Who can enrol on a level two course?
Anyone who has completed The Weekend Florist or Floral Foundations is well placed to embark on our four-day Become an Event Florist course. We ask students to complete a level one course before joining a level two as it assumes some knowledge and understanding of our floristry methods. If you have already worked in floristry or completed another course elsewhere, please get in touch to discuss your suitability for the programme. Our level two course equips students with the skills to plan, design and deliver an event, focusing on how to build supplier and client relationships and build a successful event floristry business.
6. What’s included?
All our workshops and courses include all materials and tools, as well as tuition from experienced floral tutors. We keep numbers small as this works best and means there is a high teacher-student ratio, ensuring all participants are catered for. Our workshops include vintage tea, with artisan bakes and fizz, along with non-alcoholic refreshments. Our floral training programme also includes a schedule of the course and notebook. As people have different dietary requirements, we do not provide lunch on our floral training programmes. However, there are plenty of cafes and eateries in the area to buy a light lunch and we make sure you have time for a break.
7. Great! What’s the next step?
If you’re ready to book, then you can simply reserve your place online. If you wish to pay a deposit to hold your place, we can arrange this, but please get in touch to discuss payment options. If you’re still unsure and have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form and we will arrange a call with you.
CONTACT US
LEVEL ONE
Learn MoreLEVEL ONE
Learn MoreLEVEL TWO
Learn MoreLEVEL TWO
Learn MoreOur zest for flowers is coupled with a passion for floral education. Trained in Paris by the renowned international florist - Catherine Muller – we consider floristry to be an art form. Visually impactful, we believe the creation of floral displays evokes an emotional response, in the same way other artists and designers do so through their chosen media. Contemporary yet romantic, we promote sustainable floristry and support local growers and we like to break a few floral rules along the way.
Our courses run throughout the year. We teach students in small groups and can offer one-to-one tutoring, if requested. Our programmes are constantly evolving, below is an outline of our current courses.
The Weekend Florist
This two-day programme runs across the weekend and is designed to give students a basic understanding of contemporary floristry styles and techniques. Working with both fresh and dried materials, you will learn the floral design process from beginning to end.
On Day One students explore fresh flowers, working on creating bouquets and arrangements. On Day Two students learn about working with dried materials and also engage in a group project, using fresh flowers to create a stunning large scale tablescape.
Exploring form, colour, composition, rhythm and texture, you will obtain an informed view of the basic design concepts and learn how to apply these in your own floral arrangements. You will also examine the foundations of floral techniques and gain a deeper insight into the practice of sustainable floristry.
This course is suitable for everyone and does not require any prerequisite training. It may be of particular interest to those wishing to increase their knowledge of floristry or who are considering a career change and become a florist.
SKILLS LEVEL: Beginner friendly
CLASS SIZE: 4 - 5 maximum
COURSE DATES:
13th April - 14th April 2024
25th May - 26th May 2024
8th June - 9th June 2024
27th July - 28th July 2024
COURSE FEE: £390.00
BOOK HERE
The Weekend Florist
This two-day programme runs across the weekend and is designed to give students a basic understanding of contemporary floristry styles and techniques. Working with both fresh and dried materials, you will learn the floral design process from beginning to end.
On Day One students explore fresh flowers, working on creating bouquets and arrangements. On Day Two students learn about working with dried materials and also engage in a group project, using fresh flowers to create a stunning large scale tablescape.
Exploring form, colour, composition, rhythm and texture, you will obtain an informed view of the basic design concepts and learn how to apply these in your own floral arrangements. You will also examine the foundations of floral techniques and gain a deeper insight into the practice of sustainable floristry.
This course is suitable for everyone and does not require any prerequisite training. It may be of particular interest to those wishing to increase their knowledge of floristry or who are considering a career change and become a florist.
SKILLS LEVEL: Beginner friendly
CLASS SIZE: 4 - 5 maximum
COURSE DATES:
13th April - 14th April 2024
25th May - 26th May 2024
8th June - 9th June 2024
27th July - 28th July 2024
COURSE FEE: £390.00
BOOK HERE
Floral Foundations
BLOCK TEACHING
For those who seek a deeper understanding and immersion in beginner-friendly floral practice, this programme designed to be taught as a block and runs over five days.
Students received a thorough grounding in floral design and are introduced to the design principles and mechanics of floral construction. With plenty of opportunity to engage in the practical elements of floristry, students start to develop their own floral style and aesthetic, growing in confidence as they progress through the week.
The programme exposes students to a range of individual and group projects of varying size, incorporating the use of fresh, dried and foraged materials, It also balances theory with practice and introduces students to the business of floristry and the floral industry.
Perfect for those seriously considering a creative career or a career change, the course is suitable for all, with no prior knowledge of floristry expected, as well as those who have some basic knowledge or who have already taken one of our shorter courses.
SKILLS LEVEL: Beginner friendly
CLASS SIZE: 4- 5 maximum
COURSE DATES:
1st April - 5th April 2024 - SOLD OUT
13th May - 17th May 2024 - LIMITED AVAILABILTY
8th July - 12th July 2024
COURSE FEE: £900
BOOK HERE
Floral Foundations
BLOCK TEACHING
For those who seek a deeper understanding and immersion in beginner-friendly floral practice, this programme designed to be taught as a block and runs over five days.
Students received a thorough grounding in floral design and are introduced to the design principles and mechanics of floral construction. With plenty of opportunity to engage in the practical elements of floristry, students start to develop their own floral style and aesthetic, growing in confidence as they progress through the week.
The programme exposes students to a range of individual and group projects of varying size, incorporating the use of fresh, dried and foraged materials, It also balances theory with practice and introduces students to the business of floristry and the floral industry.
Perfect for those seriously considering a creative career or a career change, the course is suitable for all, with no prior knowledge of floristry expected, as well as those who have some basic knowledge or who have already taken one of our shorter courses.
SKILLS LEVEL: Beginner friendly
CLASS SIZE: 4- 5 maximum
COURSE DATES:
1st April - 5th April 2024 - SOLD OUT
13th May - 17th May 2024 - LIMITED AVAILABILTY
8th July - 12th July 2024
COURSE FEE: £900
BOOK HERE
Floral Foundations
PART TIME, EVENINGS
For those who wish to enrol on the Floral Foundations course but cannot attend our block week session, this programme offers similar course content but is run in the evenings across eight weeks.
Students received a thorough grounding in floral design and are introduced to the design principles and mechanics of floral construction. With plenty of opportunity to engage in the practical elements of floristry, students start to develop their own floral style and aesthetic, growing in confidence as they progress through the week.
The programme exposes students to a range of individual and group projects of varying size, incorporating the use of fresh and dried materials. It also balances theory with practice and introduces students to the business of floristry and the floral industry.
Perfect for those seriously considering a creative career or a career change, the course is suitable for all, with no prior knowledge of floristry expected, as well as those who have some basic knowledge or who have already taken one of our shorter courses.
SKILLS LEVEL: Beginner friendly
CLASS SIZE: 6 maximum
COURSE DATES:
NEW DATE! Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm - 9.30pm starting 22nd May until 10th July (8 evenings).
COURSE FEE: £900 - SOLD OUT
book here
Floral Foundations
PART TIME, EVENINGS
For those who wish to enrol on the Floral Foundations course but cannot attend our block week session, this programme offers similar course content but is run in the evenings across eight weeks.
Students received a thorough grounding in floral design and are introduced to the design principles and mechanics of floral construction. With plenty of opportunity to engage in the practical elements of floristry, students start to develop their own floral style and aesthetic, growing in confidence as they progress through the week.
The programme exposes students to a range of individual and group projects of varying size, incorporating the use of fresh and dried materials. It also balances theory with practice and introduces students to the business of floristry and the floral industry.
Perfect for those seriously considering a creative career or a career change, the course is suitable for all, with no prior knowledge of floristry expected, as well as those who have some basic knowledge or who have already taken one of our shorter courses.
SKILLS LEVEL: Beginner friendly
CLASS SIZE: 6 maximum
COURSE DATES:
NEW DATE! Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm - 9.30pm starting 22nd May until 10th July (8 evenings).
COURSE FEE: £900 - SOLD OUT
book here
Become an event Florist
Event floristry requires a vast range of skills and competencies to successfully move from the design stage to execution and this course is for those interested in building their floral repertoire and looking to work as a florist in the weddings, events or corporate hospitality sectors.
Ollie & Ivy is a working floral atelier and as such this unique and exciting course is designed as a simulation case study exercise, putting students through their paces and taking them through the process of working with a client and delivering on a floral project.
Working in a small group you will conduct a client consultation, visit a flower wholesaler, carry out a site visit and create designs and prepare, deliver and install your own arrangements.
You will the importance of the functionality of space and how to combine this with a desired aesthetic, learning how to overcome floral challenges and to think effectively in the moment. You will also learn how to manage the client relationship and deliver on the brief. The course will introduce you to wider aspects of the floral industry and allow you to understand better your role within the floral supply chain and wider hospitality network.
This four day course prepares students for a career in event floristry and gives students a flavour of what it is like to work on a real life project.
The programme is designed for those who have already undertaken our Weekend Florist or Floral Foundations programme.
SKILLS LEVEL: Completion of our Weekend Florist or Floral Foundations programme is required.
CLASS SIZE: 4 maximum
COURSE DATES:
Tuesday 9th April - Friday 12th April 2024
COURSE FEE: £850 - SOLD OUT
book here
Become an event Florist
Event floristry requires a vast range of skills and competencies to successfully move from the design stage to execution and this course is for those interested in building their floral repertoire and looking to work as a florist in the weddings, events or corporate hospitality sectors.
Ollie & Ivy is a working floral atelier and as such this unique and exciting course is designed as a simulation case study exercise, putting students through their paces and taking them through the process of working with a client and delivering on a floral project.
Working in a small group you will conduct a client consultation, visit a flower wholesaler, carry out a site visit and create designs and prepare, deliver and install your own arrangements.
You will the importance of the functionality of space and how to combine this with a desired aesthetic, learning how to overcome floral challenges and to think effectively in the moment. You will also learn how to manage the client relationship and deliver on the brief. The course will introduce you to wider aspects of the floral industry and allow you to understand better your role within the floral supply chain and wider hospitality network.
This four day course prepares students for a career in event floristry and gives students a flavour of what it is like to work on a real life project.
The programme is designed for those who have already undertaken our Weekend Florist or Floral Foundations programme.
SKILLS LEVEL: Completion of our Weekend Florist or Floral Foundations programme is required.
CLASS SIZE: 4 maximum
COURSE DATES:
Tuesday 9th April - Friday 12th April 2024
COURSE FEE: £850 - SOLD OUT
book here
In addition to our current courses, we are happy to design tailormade teaching sessions, should you have a specific technique or style in mind. For further information, please get in touch.
Each day begins at 10.00 and finishes around 16.00. All materials, tools and tuition from our principal florist are included. Students will take home their floral arrangements. For group projects, floral elements will be distributed amongst the group to take away and enjoy.
Gift Vouchers
Floral experiences make great gifts. If you're looking to book a course for a close family member or friend and are unsure what to choose, then perhaps a Flower School Gift Voucher is a good option. Our vouchers can be purchased online or in person and are available in dominations of £50, £60, £75 and £100. How much you wish to spend is entirely up to you.
Available to book online, or if you would like further information then please get in touch.
BUY GIFT VOUCHER
Gift Vouchers
Floral experiences make great gifts. If you're looking to book a course for a close family member or friend and are unsure what to choose, then perhaps a Flower School Gift Voucher is a good option. Our vouchers can be purchased online or in person and are available in dominations of £50, £60, £75 and £100. How much you wish to spend is entirely up to you.
Available to book online, or if you would like further information then please get in touch.
BUY GIFT VOUCHER
40 Comiston Road, Edinburgh EH10 5QQ
We are based fifteen minutes by bus or taxi from Edinburgh Waverley train station. If you are travelling by car, we are on the main road (A702) which provides direct access to the Edinburgh city bypass and on to the M8, M9, M90 and the A1. Morningside has a number of residential roads where on-street parking is available.