Color Theory
Define "analogous colors."
Analogous colors are colors found next to each other on the color wheel.
What is a "focal point" in floral design?
The focal point is the center or area of interest where the eyes are drawn.
What is "soil" as defined in the glossary?
Soil: the mineral and organic surface of the earth capable of supporting upland plants
What is a "nutrient" in the context of plant growth?
Nutrient: an element or compound in soil essential for plant growth
What is "foliage"?
Foliage: a cluster of leaves, flowers, and branches
What are complementary colors and how are they positioned on the color wheel?
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel.
Define "balance" and give one example of symmetrical balance.
Balance is the visual and physical stability of a design; symmetrical balance means both sides mirror each other.
Define "soilless media" and give one example.
Soilless media: growing material without mineral sediment (example: peat-based potting mix).
What is "Nitrogen (N)" and why is it important for plants?
Nitrogen: an element vital for protein and growth processes; commonly supplied as urea, ammonia, or nitrates.
Define "greenery" as used in floral design.
Greenery: foliage providing a dark background to highlight bright flowers.
Explain "monochromatic" as it applies to design.
Monochromatic: use of one color in different shades and tints.
What does "line" represent in a floral design?
Line represents visual movement between two points (establishes shape and flow).
What is "soil texture"? Name the three particle classes that determine texture.
Soil texture: relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
Define "fertilizer" and list one organic and one inorganic example.
Fertilizer: material added to provide nutrients; organic example — compost or manure; inorganic example — synthetic N-P-K fertilizer.
What is a "seedling"?
Seedling: early growth stage of a plant grown from seed as it emerges above ground.
What are triadic colors? Give an example of a triadic color scheme using primary or secondary colors.
Triadic colors: three colors equally spaced on the color wheel (example: red, yellow, blue)
Explain "proportion" in relation to flowers and container choice.
Proportion: size relationship of flowers to each other, the container, and surroundings; a large container needs larger flowers or more space-filling material
Explain the difference between "peat moss" and "perlite" in potting media.
Peat moss: fibrous, partly decayed plant fragments that retain structure; perlite: volcanic glass used to improve aeration and drainage
What are the 4R’s commonly referenced in nutrient management (apply, list them)?
The 4R’s: Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place.
Define "vermiculite" and one reason it is used in growing media.
Vermiculite: a mica-like mineral that expands when heated and is used to increase water retention and aeration in media.
Describe how contrast in color can affect the focal point in a floral arrangement and why a designer might use complementary colors for contrast.
Using contrasting (complementary) colors makes the focal flowers stand out because opposites increase visual tension; designers use this to draw the eye to the focal point.
Define "unity" and describe one technique a designer uses to achieve unity in an arrangement.
Unity is the look and feel that the design is one singular unit; techniques include repeating colors, textures, or lines.
Define "clay" in terms of particle size and explain how high clay content affects water-holding capacity.
Clay: particles less than two microns in diameter; high clay increases water-holding capacity but can reduce drainage and aeration.
Describe how soil "water-holding capacity" interacts with fertilizer management and root-zone health.
Soils with higher water-holding capacity keep nutrients in the root zone longer but may require careful timing/rates to avoid leaching or root oxygen stress; fertilizer application must consider water retention to prevent nutrient loss or toxicity.
Explain "organic matter" in soil and how it differs from "humus" or highly humified material.
Organic matter: any organic material incorporated into or on the soil surface; humus refers to highly humified organic matter that is more decomposed