Floral design is the art of using plant materials and flowers to create a pleasing and balanced composition. Evidence of refined floristry is found as far back as the culture of Ancient Egypt.

There are many styles of floral design. Ikebana is an Oriental style of floral design and features simplicity and purity of lines and colors. In contrast, European style emphasizes color and variety in mass gatherings of multiple flowers.

In additional to flower arrangements, the art of floral design includes making wreaths, bows, garlands, and corsages.

[] Floral Design Schools

With the ever-growing interest in the natural world and flowers, the floral industry continues to grow. The need for good schools or academies to provide training in floristry and floral design has also increased. Many institutes have risen to meet the demand and provide quality education and training in floral design. Below are a few examples:

• http://www.floraldesigninstitute.com/
• http://www.800florals.com/care/designSchools.asp
• http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Design_Arts/Education/Schools/Floral_Design/

[] Floral Design Promoting Associations

Various associations across the world promote floral design through workshops, conferences, and seminars. Below are a few examples:

• The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
• Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA)
• The Society of Floristry
• Association of Irish Floral Artists (AOIFA)
• Nippon Flower Designers' Association (NFD)
• West Australian Floral Art Society
• UK National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS)