By Suzette Grebe
As some stop to smell the roses, others are busy arranging them.
Floral Design, AgHrt 112, is a class offered at BYU that includes learning basic floral design techniques and how to make a variety of floral arrangements.
'It is an interesting class, and I enjoy being able to decorate my apartment with the different arrangements I make,' said Barbara Scarfe, 21, a senior from Hockessin, Del., majoring in audiology and speech pathology.
The syllabus consists of wrapping cut flowers, arranging spring posies in garden pots, and making gift baskets, Easter baskets, corsages and boutonnieres.
'We do a variety of arrangements so that the students get a good background,' said Norah Hunter, a part-time floral design instructor at BYU.
She said students gain skills from this class that help to build confidence and talent.
'The labs are a lot of fun and are helpful because I get first-hand experience actually arranging the flowers,' Scarfe said.
A lab fee of $90 is required and occasionally students will have to bring certain supplies to lab.
The lab fee pays for the flowers and some of the other materials that are used for the arrangements, Scarfe said.
Lectures consist of discussing balance, proportion and scale, texture and fragrance, color in floral design, care and handling, flowers to wear, lei-making, and everlasting flowers and designs.
'I think it teaches you a basis for any designer craft,' said Celeste Eaton, a designer customer service member at the Flower Patch.
If a student learns the basics, it is really easy and neat, Eaton said.
'It is a form of art just like music and interior design,' Hunter said.
Learning floral arrangement can benefit students in various ways.
'People who learn the basic techniques of floral arrangement can make centerpieces for their tables at Thanksgiving and Christmas, decorate for weddings and arrange dried flowers in their homes,' Eaton said.
Students who graduated have told Hunter the floral arrangement class is a useful class they have taken at BYU, Hunter said.
'I sure hope they keep this class here at BYU and realize these types of classes are important and help to keep beauty in people''s lives,' Hunter said.
This class also helps students recognize and appreciate the great amount of work that goes into preparing floral arrangements, Hunter said.