Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research and interpret details about flower and plant materials. It requires the ability to identify appropriate information sources and to develop and maintain a knowledge base in order to visually recognise and name flower and plant materials. This key workplace skill underpins effective performance for the design, construction and care of floristry products.
This unit applies to all floristry industry businesses including retail floristry shops, studio or online businesses and those that specialise in corporate or special events. It applies to florists working at all levels including junior and senior florists, studio florists and floral designers.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Research and interpret information on flower and plant materials. | 1.1 Determine need and identify sources of information on flower and plant materials. 1.2 Use formal and informal research to source and select information on features of flower and plant materials. 1.3 Interpret technical characteristics of flower and plant materials and use in day-to-day activities. 1.4 Identify and interpret key information on seasonal availability of floristry materials. 1.5 Record and store information for future use. |
2. Identify and name flower and plant materials. | 2.1 Visually recognise and use common and botanical names in day-to-day activities. 2.2 Seek advice to accurately recognise and name flower and plant materials. |
3. Update knowledge of flower and plant materials. | 3.1 Continually update knowledge of flower and plant materials. 3.2 Seek feedback from colleagues and customers on experiences with flower and plant materials. 3.3 Share updated information with colleagues. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
access and select information about the features of flower and plant materials from:
growers’ brochures and information sheets
trade magazines
product labels
reference books
for a minimum of 70 fresh and dry flower and plant materials which must be a mix of non-Australian species whether they are grown in Australia or overseas and Australian species:
visually recognise and use common and botanical names
identify the:
features
technical characteristics
key information on seasonal availability.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
sources of information on flower and plant materials
industry terminology and common abbreviations for flower and plant materials
features, technical characteristics and key information on seasonal availability for an extensive range of fresh, dry and preserved flower and flower and plant materials:
non-Australian species whether they are grown in Australia or overseas
Australian species
for each flower and plant material:
features:
appearance and colour of bloom, foliage, stem and bud
characteristics of the perfume
common and botanical nomenclature
common pests and diseases, their affects and post-harvest treatments
country of origin
toxicity and allergy characteristics
vase life or lifespan
technical characteristics:
conditioning requirements
handling requirements to avoid spoilage
impacts of fumigation on lifespan
post-harvest maintenance requirements
maturation requirements
preparation requirements
storage requirements
suitability for different special occasions or events
suitability of use for different floristry techniques
suitability of use in different styles of products
suitability to meet cultural or religious protocols and preferences
key information on seasonal availability:
different seasons
availability to the floristry business
varieties out of season in the local region, state or territory that can be sourced interstate or overseas
methods and formats used to record and store information:
self-produced information sheets
portfolios
electronic or hard copy files.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must ensure use of:
computers and the Internet to source information
a diverse, comprehensive range of fresh and dry flower and plant materials:
non-Australian species whether they are grown in Australia or overseas
Australian species
potted plants
either electronic or hard copies of:
growers’ brochures and information sheets
trade magazines
product labels
reference books.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors, and:
hold a qualification or Statement of Attainment in Floristry which includes this unit of competency or equivalent; and
have worked as a florist in the industry for at least three years where they have applied this unit of competency or equivalent.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed below: | |
Skill | Description |
Reading skills to: | interpret: unfamiliar and detailed in-house and supplier product information documents reference books containing complex and unfamiliar technical information on flower and plant materials. |
Writing skills to: | produce notes, summarise and record information in basic documents such as information sheets, portfolios and files. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify information from other florists and suppliers. |
Self-management skills to: | take responsibility for sourcing and updating current and emerging information on flower and plant materials. |
Technology skills to: | use a computer and keyboard and the Internet to search for information. |
Sectors
Floristry
Competency Field
Sales and Operations