Fancy Free, Floral-ly
Greenhouses, cut flowers, bedding plants, house plants, and foliage are all part of an agriculture industry in California called floricul- ture. More than 250 cut flower growers from San Diego to the Oregon border make California the top flower-producing state in the country! Careers in the floral industry include farming and grow- ing, transporting, designing, and landscaping.
Egyptian Period (2800 – 28 B.C.) – In ancient Egypt, cut flowers were used for symbolic purposes. Egyptian floral designs were simple, orderly, and featured alternating patterns.
Greek and Roman Periods (600 B.C. – 325 A.D.) – Ancient Greeks and Romans used flowers and herbs for decoration, beautification, and to represent victory. Floral designs were garlands, wreaths, and flowers thrown on the ground.
Renaissance Period (1400 – 1600 A.D.) – Flower symbolism was important during this period. Flower arranging blossomed adding ribbons, fruit, and vegetables to the massive symmetrical arrangements.
Victorian Period (1837 – 1901 A.D.) – The first rules for arranging flowers were made during this era. Designs were made using ornate containers, overflowing with many different types of flowers using cool colors and an abundance of white.
Greenhouse climates are controlled by fans and heaters, creating an environment that allows for year-round production of plants and flowers. Although the “season” is artificially produced, greenhouse plants are still considered in-season.
Some flower varieties grow better in open fields. These varieties, such as sunflowers, ranunculus, begonias, carnations and chrysanthemums, are grown in fields and prefer direct sunlight and low humidity. Hydrangeas are grown in shade houses which restrict light, allowing the plant to grow slowly, producing a more impressive bloom.
Activity
Plot each significant event in the history of floriculture on a timeline. For each event plotted, add at least one additional important historical event from the same era.
Standards: History-Social Sciences – Grade 3: 3.1; Grade 6: 6.2, 6.4; Grade 7: 7.8; Grade 8: 8.10 5
Try This Activity: Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers can be used to decorate note cards, bookmarks, candles, and more. They can even be framed as natural art.
1. Pick your flowers when they still look fresh. Make sure they are free from moisture or dew.
Plot each significant event in the history of floriculture on a timeline. For each event plotted, add at least one additional important historical event from the same era.
2. Place flowers between two sheets of paper. Place the paper and flowers inside a heavy book.
3. Leave at least 25 pages between each pressing. Weigh the book down and wait 2-3 weeks.
Did You Know?
75 percent of cut flowers grown in the United States come from California.
Tech Check: Flowers for every occasion
Visit
www.ccfc.org to research different types of flowers and refer to the flower guide book. Select at least three different types of flowers to give to someone. Use the color wheel to select a color scheme that is attractive and pleasing to the eye. Draw or paint your arrangement.
Flowers: _________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________
Colors: ___________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________
Standards: Visual Arts – Grade 3: Artistic Expression 1.3, 1.5; Grade 7: Artistic Expression 2.0 Sources: USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service
www.nass.usda.gov, California Cut Flower Commission
www.ccfc.org
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