One day while the girls & I were designing flowers for an upcoming wedding of a dear friend, we fell into a discussion about the history of floral design. When did floral design begin, who invented it, we wondered?? Our first thoughts were that it started in Europe around 16th or 17th century. We felt this could have been the start considering how many artists depicted flower arrangements in their paintings. Then we also considered the Indian continent , after all, we know that flowers are very important in their wedding ceremony – perhaps they started floral design? 

We also wondered – who opened the first florist shop. Now, I’m thinking I may have some luck finding where it all began but, can I really figure out who opened the first shop and where??

I told the girls that as soon as I had some free time I would do some research online and see what I could find out.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that floristry has been traced back to the Egyptian Period (2800 BC to 28 BC). Apparently the Egyptians would decorate their guests with garlands and wreaths for ceremonies. Plus, they’d use flowers for decorations on banquet tables!

During the Greek Period (600-150 B.C.) the Cornucopia was invented. I found this extremely interesting considering we still see this design every Harvest festival here in the UK.

Ancient China, Han era, ~207 BC, the Chinese were making arrangements in vases.

It was during the Renaissance & Baroque periods that floral design as we know it really came about. This is when paintings depicted flower arrangements filled with roses, poppies, anemones, ranunculus, etc. took place.

Floristry as we know it now in the UK.

After WW1, this is when garden clubs started to form and judging guidelines were introduced, a lot of people were turning to the beauty of nature and the variety of colours flora could offer.

After WW2 transportation from overseas increased which introduced exotic blossoms to the UK floral design, which has actually started earlier on from the Victorian era.

I’m pleased with my new found knowledge. However, I have yet to find the answer to my other question: Where was the first flower shop and when did it open? Anyone have some insight for me??