Hi just responding to your post Fly. I am currently on a diploma course in floristry and it has been really interesting to not only learn how to do the practical stuff, but to learn about the industry itself. I am sure I will find this invaluable when I qualify and am able to set up in business as a florist. I am somewhat surprised to think that many "experienced" florists, turn their noses up at qualifications. Yes I know floristry is a form of art and you really do need to have some creative flair in order to do it well. However, there surely are differences between those that have studied to qualify in their professions as florists, as opposed to those that havent. For myself, I already have a degree (completely unrelated to floristry). It was my intention to learn as much as I could on a course and from experienced florists. I am not so naive to think that being good at arranging, packaging and wrapping are the only pre-requisites that people need to do the job; and call themselves florists. I look forward to finding out about customer care, marketing techniques, as well as "flowers" themselves. There is an awful lot to floristry and the creative processes that are behind creating an arrangement. It is up to established, experienced florists, (such as yourself), to share your knowledge with and appreciate students who need guidance and teaching. Only then will floristry begin to be recognised, as a skilled, creative profession by those other than florists themselves. Who knows? maybe better salaries and improved working conditions are not far away!? Lets hope so. (good topic! im sure many ppl will post )