Department Chair: Haze Dennis
Tel: 408-855-5252
Email: haze.dennis@@wvm.edu

Coordinator: Sandy Lesnewsky
Tel: 408-855-5397
Fax: 408-855-5452

Division: Applied Sciences
Division Chair: Janice Morgan
 

Mission College Retail Floristry Program takes two awards and
participates in the "Top Ten Catagory" the 2010, California State
Floral Association's 37th AnnualTop Ten Design Competition!

The Retail Floristry program was created in 1983 at West Valley College, Saratoga, California, as part of its Community Education curriculum.

In 1998 the program was moved to Mission College, Santa Clara, California, and in 1999 the Retail Floristry program was fully accredited.

The Program consists of eighteen separate but related classes, to give our students a well rounded education in preparation of their entering floral industry.

Classes cover in depth designing with fresh flowers, dry flowers and silk flowers, in Western, European, and Oriental design. The range of designs covers seasonal as well as every day arrangements, wedding, memorial, holiday, exotic and high style designs. Classes range from Introductory level through Advanced levels of design, rounding out this area of the program with the retail floral Display Classes and work experience.

In addition, the program covers classes in the physical design of a retail florist, the details of running a business, accounting and reporting, and how to create a successful business. Strong emphasis is placed on purchasing and successful sales. Other topics include employee matters, wire service, and insurance. One of the classes in the program is a internship period in an established florists in the area, giving the student a chance to see the interaction in the practical side of the business.

Evaluation of students is done with graded examinations, written assignments, term projects, and class participation. Students and staff are evaluated by staff members and department heads as required by the college.

The purpose of the Floral Program is to prepare and equip our students to succeed in the ever changing floral industry, by producing a better trained employee or shop owner.

This department maintains industry ties through an Advisory Committee.

Mission College
3000 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054-1897
408-988-2200