What tools and equipment does a beginner florist actually need?
Floristry is expensive. When you’re a beginner florist it can feel like you’re forking out for so much stuff. Floral knives, scissors, secateurs, buckets, gloves, tool box. The list goes on. And that’s before you’ve even purchased the flowers.
This post will break down want essential tools you need to set yourself up for success as you begin your career in floristry.
Floristry scissors
They need to be sharp and clean. I’d recommend visiting a wholesaler or shop that sells floristry supplies so you can test out what feels good in your hand. I’ve had blisters from scissors that didn’t fit with my hand.
You may have a pair of scissors already, but they won’t be good at cutting soft stems cleanly and they won’t be as precise.
Secateurs
Even the sharpest pair of floristry scissors can’t get through really thick, woody stems. Floristry secateurs are great for making cutting easier and give your foliage stems a clean cut.
Floristry knife
I use an OASIS floral knife. They’re cheap and they often come in packs of five. They’re bright yellow so it’s harder to lose them amongst all the flowers and foliage. Some people use them to cut stems, I use them to strip rose thorns, help with removing excess leaves and in all honesty opening boxes.
Buckets
A collection of solid buckets that are tall enough to support flowers like delphinium and larkspur are an essential part of your floristry kit. I have two different sizes of buckets and they all stack neatly so I can keep my studio tidy.
Florist tape or twine
I learnt floristry using parafilm florist tape and so this is an essential part of my kit now. If you want to keep costs down you can use twine instead. You can use them for bouquet binding, prepping vessels and creating structure and support in your arrangements.
Proper care of your tools is essential
Don’t spend money on decent tools and then never care for them. It’s a waste of money. Your snips need to stay sharp otherwise you risk damaging your flowers and your fingers. I regularly use camellia oil and a clean mate from Niwaki to keep my tools clean and oiled. You also need a sharpening stone or a way to keep the blades sharp.
Tools you don’t (yet)
Rose thorn strippers - I just used a knife. It is personal preference though!
Expensive specialist equipment like archway structures
A flower stand
Large quantities of vessels, boxes of foam, rolls of chicken, all the different colours of tissue paper, cellophane and shop paper
Start simple and build your inventory over time.
There are so many other tools, gadgets and materials you can purchase, but all those listed above are fairly cheap and will do the job. You can spend silly money on floristry scissors and knives, but as long as you keep them sharp and clean then you don’t need to splurge.
Where to buy floristry tools in the UK
Your local wholesaler
A quick google should show your nearest floristry wholesaler. Some of them may be trade only and not be open to the public.
Country Baskets
There’s several Country Baskets across the UK. I’d recommend going with a list because it can be easy to overspend here! Their website isn’t the easiest to use, so I’d recommend an in person visit.
Niwaki
I love Niwaki tools. They are very good but also very expensive!
Online suppliers
There’s plenty of online suppliers, such as:
The downside of shopping online is being unable to try out how the tools feel in your hands.
Learn floristry at The Rookery
My studio is a welcoming space for anyone with a interest in floristry. I offer one to one and two to one sessions at The Rookery, which is the nickname for my studio, based in Glasgow Southside.
If you’re unsure whether floristry is the right option for you then this is a perfect way to test it out. Most importantly, all flowers, materials and equipment are included. You’re welcome to try out the different scissors and secateurs I have in the studio so you can make a decision before you purchase new tools.
