Considered to be a valuable opportunity to witness the extent of the floriculture industry and visit the hub of the international trade centre for flowers and plants, the study tour encompassed a range of activities that included an expedition to the Flora Holland Auction house, a tour of a Vanda Orchid grower, a visit to the famous Keukenhof Gardens and finally a workshop with a Dutch Master Florist.
This trip’s winning format has been repeated for the last six years as the students experience the European style of floristry and discover just how large the industry is that generates and sustains vast employment opportunities throughout the Netherlands.
Jacqui Weaver (Course Leader of Floristry at the College) said,
“This was an amazing learning experience for the students as it gave them an overview of just how diverse the industry has become over recent years, gaining a qualification in floristry can lead to a variety of career paths such as event decorating, flora design for corporate clients, demonstrating, competition work or teaching this specialist subject area.
On the tour at the Orchid Growing facility we discovered that the grower is the only Vanda Orchid supplier in the country and thousands of plants are cultivated to meet heavy demand from International clients.
The Flora Holland Auction house exceeded the student’s expectations on the size of the operation, it is one of six Auction houses throughout Holland and the largest in the world.
Keukenhof Gardens was also an amazing spectacle with the spring bulb displays carefully planted to flower throughout the annual eight week opening period, the visual displays inside the three main buildings were inspiring and gives the student ideas for their own large function decorating projects”.
The final day consisted of a workshop from a Dutch Master and an opportunity for the students to purchase sundries from the latest trends in the floristry world. Everyone came away with a modern bridal bouquet or an arrangement that they had hand crafted themselves.
Bridgwater & Taunton College offers a range of Floristry courses for adult learners and school leavers, more information can be found here or by calling the Information & Guidance Team on 01278 441234.
