As florists have the difficult task of turning flowers into works of art, it's important they know everything they can about the tools of the trade. Flowers and knowing simple things like what is the male part of the flower helps a florist offer up the most creative and freshest arrangements possible. Floristry is a technical art and knowing how to arrange flowers isn't something a person tends to just pick up.

The cultivation of flowers is called floristry, though this art and craft can also be included in the description of floral design. Arranging flowers and flower care encompass a good deal of knowledge and many duties. Florists have to work to keep flowers fresh and vibrant in colour until it is time to have them arranged in a vase or basket, or sold as is. The majority of flowers in North America travel long distances from Miami, where they are grown.

It doesn't take a very thorough education to learn what the parts of a flower are. People should be able to recognize that flowers are plants, and have roots under the ground as well as a stem above. Flowers will have leaves on the stem, and then the flower itself either topping the plant or sprouting out along other stems to either side.

Some of the many parts of a flower are male and some are female. The primary male part is called the stamen and it is comprised of the anther and filament. The filament is thin and holds up the anther. It's the anther that produces and holds the pollen. In a flower there are usually as many stamen as there are petals.

The other parts of a flower are female, and are included within the pistil. The stigma is often sticky and swollen, and it's to this that pollen dropped from visiting bugs or birds drops and sticks. Beneath the stigma is the style, which holds the stigma aloft. The ovary, which is beneath both and usually at the bottom of the flower contains the ovule. The ovule will eventually become the flower's seeds.

A florist's business is based on selling flowers ready for any occasion. While flowers are most popular at weddings and funerals, they also make great gifts for other times. Birthdays, baby christenings and other parties do well to have flowers present in a pretty arrangement. Flowers can be delivered right to a person's door by most florist companies, although it's nicer to be present and watch someone's face when they receive flowers.

In a traditional wedding, flowers are used everywhere. Because of this, florists like to have a great deal of advanced notice so they can make sure the right number of arrangements of the right type of flower will be ready in time. In a church wedding, flowers will be attached to the end of each church pew. In a civil ceremony held in another location or outside, flowers can help define the different rows of seats for guests. The bridal bouquet is often specially designed so it will dry out perfectly and last for a long time, if not forever. Bridesmaids also receive special bouquets in a wedding.

Flower care is important to a florist. Knowing how to keep a set of flowers fresh after they arrive is sometimes more important that knowing what is the male part of a flower. A good florist knows well which flowers go with which, and how to keep the colours of a flower's petals true and vibrant. Flowers should look healthy and it is the craft and duty of a good florist to ensure they do.