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A world of flowers A flower can speak a thousand words. If you are stuck for something to say no doubt a beautiful flower arrangement will be able to say it for you. For hundreds of years people have used flowers as a way of communicating. Some of us may find it hard to express how we feel or to say what is really on our mind. Sending a bouquet or even a single rose can say so much. To put together an arrangement of flowers is not as easy as you may think. It is important to know which flowers work well together, which foliage compliments the arrangement and how to produce a stunning final product. Flowers have different meanings and speak their own dialect. You don’t need to have the same language to understand the charm of the flower – they are an international way of expressing ourselves. The flower world is big and so is the business. People require flowers not only for personal enjoyment but for social events. This demand for flowers means that the trade has had to adapt to be able to fit the requirements of customers. If you needed a bouquet delivered in three hours it is now possible with up to date technology and an extensive network of florists. In the world of flowers you will discover the array of colours and textures that nature has to offer. Not only do flowers help us express our feelings, they bring the glory of the world into our homes and workplace. The most exotic looking plant could be proudly standing on your kitchen table bringing a piece of the world to you. We may not all be lucky enough to travel the four corners of the earth. However with new t echnologies it is possible to transport flowers to us. This gives us the opportunity to cherish the beauty Mother Nature has to offer. You can step into a florist and ask for a simple bouquet and it will still be able to say “thank you” or “I love you” but the possibilities of arrangements are endless. To be able to arrange flowers in a certain way is an art form, another way of expression. Florists will train for at least a year, learning the history of the trade and remembering the Latin names of flowers. 76 Many businesses use flowers not only for social events, they send flowers to customers as a way of saying thank you. It is a way to remind a customer why they are of such value. Next time you walk into a reception and smell the fresh flowers on display you will know they have been selected for a reason to bring colour and happiness into the workplace. The flower trade is expanding and new potentials are always explored. From first life to bouquet, flowers are here to help speak our minds, express our creativity and bring nature to us. This is a business that will ever continue to flourish and blossom. Welcome to the world of flowers. By David Costa flowersunlimitedbrighton.co.uk