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Flowers and floral arrangements are a beautiful way to mark any occasion, from a first date to a funeral, or even a parade float. Floral designers provide the creative force to turn petals and stems into a celebration. Also called florists, floral designers cut and arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories. Using their sense of artistry and specialized knowledge of flower properties and arrangements, florists choose the appropriate flowers for each occasion… and advise customers on how to properly care for them. Many floral designers work full time, although their hours may vary. A large number of florists are self-employed. Stand-alone shops operate during regular business hours but floral departments within grocery stores and shopping malls may stay open longer. Around holidays, florists are at their busiest. Because freshly cut flowers are perishable, most orders cannot be made in advance, so designers often work additional hours just before and during holidays. Floral designers generally have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their skills on the job. There are floral design programs at private floral schools, technical schools, and community colleges.