As Bloom 2025 approaches, a vibrant partnership is blossoming—uniting creativity, craftsmanship, and career development in the floristry sector.
The Institute of Flowers, founded by industry advocate Fionnuala McAuley, has teamed up with Positive2Work Skillnet to launch a dynamic upskilling initiative for professional florists across Ireland. Their mission? To elevate floristry as a skilled trade and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
“We set about trying to raise the voice of professional florists,” says Fionnuala, who works with flower exporter VanderPlas and launched the Institute in October. “We realised that while florists play a huge part in people’s milestones—births, weddings, funerals—their training opportunities had dwindled. That’s where the Institute stepped in.”
As Learning and Development professionals, we recognise the vital role education plays in sustaining traditional crafts. Floristry, once a richly taught profession, now sees limited access to advanced training—leaving vital skills at risk of disappearing. Without intentional investment in learning pathways, the depth of expertise in this sector may be lost for future generations.
Elevating Skills with Global Expertise
With support from Positive2Work Skillnet, the Institute recently hosted Dutch Master Florist Hanneke Frankema—a world-renowned figure in floristry—for a two-day advanced workshop at Killeen Castle. These sessions brought international expertise directly to Irish professionals, helping to restore a tradition of floristry education that has faded over the past two decades.
“Without the support of Skillnet, these training days wouldn’t be possible,” Fionnula notes. “This is about investing in high-level skills and bringing that value back to the high street.”
Click here to listen to Fionnuala’s recent radio interview about this initiative
Bloom 2025: Showcasing Creative Talent
At Bloom, visitors can expect a dazzling celebration of floral art. With over 36 florists demonstrating throughout the weekend, the tent will be alive with colour, fragrance, and creativity. A particular highlight? A wearable floristry competition inviting florists to design hats, cloaks, and even dresses using fresh blooms.
Submissions will be judged on three core pillars:
- Colour by Colour Psychologist Adele Roche
- Technique by Dutch Master Florist Len Beerepoot
- Impact by MEP Maria Walsh
Top prizes include a €600 voucher for professional floristry supplies and a leadership course from Skillnet Ireland—an investment in both artistic and business growth.
A Call to Action for the L&D Community
The Institute of Flowers is a shining example of how vocational professions can be revitalized through targeted upskilling, industry collaboration, and creative celebration. For L&D professionals, it’s a reminder of the power of partnerships and the transformative potential of niche learning ecosystems.
“If we don’t protect these skills, they’ll be lost forever,” Fionnuala cautions. “But with support and passion, we can inspire the next generation of florists.”
Get Involved
Are you a florist ready to grow your craft? A training provider looking to support vocational excellence? A community leader seeking to promote lifelong learning?
Join the movement. Celebrate craft. Invest in talent.
Visit the Institute of Flowers or Positive2Work Skillnet to explore upcoming training, funding supports, and events.
Let’s make floristry bloom again—together. 🌸
