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Floral Design
| Program Code: | FDN |
| Campus: | Newnham |
| Duration: | 2 Semesters (8 Months) |
| Start Dates: | Fall, Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: | Ontario College Certificate |
Program Description
Designed in co–operation with the floral industry, this program provides you with the knowledge, skills, and professional expertise required for a successful career as a Retail Florist and Designer.
You’ll benefit from the integration of theory and practice in the floral laboratory, and you'll gain on–the–job experience in related field work.
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
- Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
Applicant Selection:
- In the event of oversubscription, a skills test and questionnaire may be completed by all applicants, normally during a College orientation session. The results of the test, in combination with academic achievement (i.e. grades in pre–requisite subjects or their equivalents), will provide the basis upon which selection of applicants is determined.
The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well–organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.
Fees
Your Career
Prepare for your career as a Retail Florist or Floral Designer. Our two–semester Floral Design certificate program equips you with the practical skills and business knowledge to succeed as a floral designer, sales consultant/advisor, and management trainee, in retail flower shops, department stores, garden centres, interior landscape businesses, wire service organizations, wholesale and distribution outlets, gift shops, and floral event companies.
Program Objectives
As a student of FDN, you’ll learn to:
- Communicate effectively with customers, supervisors, peers, and suppliers;
- Demonstrate the ability to make suitable bouquets and floral arrangements for any occasion, in keeping with the customer’s request and established tradition, using available materials within cost constraints;
- Offer appropriate information on the care and handling of various flowers and foliages, indoor plants, and other items available for sale at an employer’s establishment;
- Acquire knowledge of most front–office duties associated with an employer’s establishment such as correct handling of wire service orders, correct selling techniques, handling of charge card orders, and operation of a cash register;
- Apply and understand public relations, advertising, and merchandising techniques.
Affiliations and Associations
- AIFD – American Institute of Floral Designers
- CAFA – Canadian Academy of Floral Arts
- WFC – World Flower Council
Wire Services:
- FTD (Florists’ Transworld Delivery)
- TELEFLORA CANADA
Field Work
Throughout your studies, and in addition to the daily floral design practicum, you'll gain on–the–job experience by working in related industry for approximately 200 hours.
Curriculum
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| EAC150 | College English | 3 |
| ICA001 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 2 |
| RTF164 | Principles of Design | 2 |
| RTF167 | Customer Service - Floral | 3 |
| RTF169 | Floral Design Lab I | 6 |
| RTF170 | Field Work Experience (approximately 100 hours) | |
| RTF172 | Design Development I | 4 |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| FDP100 | Floral Design Portfolio | 3 |
| FSH330 | Evolution of Design | 3 |
| RTF262 | Botany | 3 |
| RTF264 | Floristry Theory | 2 |
| RTF269 | Floral Design Lab II | 6 |
| RTF270 | Field Work Experience II (approximately 100 hours) | |
| RTF275 | Floral Artistry | 3 |
| RTF277 | Design Development II | 4 |
Contact Us
| For more information, please visit our website at: www.senecacollege.ca/fashion. | |
| Program Coordinator: | Marianne Suess Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 24090 Email: Marianne.Suess@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Chair: | Gitte Hansen Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22160 Email: Gitte.Hansen@senecacollege.ca |
| Admissions Advisors: | |
| Domestic Admissions Advisor: | Maureen Massicot Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22014 Email: Maureen.Massicot@senecacollege.ca |
| International Admissions Advisor: | Aakashni Ram Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22085 Email: Aakashni.Ram@senecacollege.ca |
| Registration & Records Advisor: | Andrea Matteis Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22465 Email: Andrea.Matteis@senecacollege.ca |
Apply Online
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Video
Yvonne, a Floral Design graduate, talks about studying at Seneca and her program's mix of design elements and business fundamentals that have helped her succeed. Video
Testimonials
“This program is a wonderfully mastered compilation of the retail florist business. It is designed to provide the tools for employment and ownership of floral shops. Taught by professional designers, it illustrates great insight into all aspects of the floral industry and is superbly delivered.”
Lorin Ellis,
Graduate
“Seneca’s instructors are well regarded in our industry and my peers recommend its graduates. I have hired graduates because I know the calibre of student the program produces and the work they have accomplished during their training.”
Inta Gugano–Taurins
General Manager, Gardenia 5 Flower
Employer of Retail Florist Graduates
"Seneca's Floral Design Program prepared me for a career surrounded by flowers! After graduation I went on to be a junior designer in a downtown flower shop, then moved up to head designer managing three stores. I now own a flower shop, eco|stems in downtown Toronto, I am the chair of the Seneca Floral Design program Advisory Committee and will be inducted into the Canadian Academy of Floral Art in the fall. Seneca gave me the solid foundation I needed to achieve all of the above."
Joseph Delarge
“Seneca's Floral Design program equipped me with the ideal balance of theory and hands–on practice. The instructors bring to the classroom enthusiasm for their craft and years of reputable experience in floral design as a commercial and art form. I soon realized the reputation this program has in the floral industry. It has provided me with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.”
Ruth Harrison
Graduate


