Staff Writer
Phil Florist and Greenhouses is now home to two newly State of Maine licensed florists, in owner Patti Corriveau and employee Bonnie Theriault.
Bonnie Theriault and Patti Corriveau
Corriveau who bought the floral business from previous owners Phil and Jackie Doak in 2006, said that between that time through part of 2007, she was taking the required classes to become a state licensed florist but due to personal conflicts, never actually took her final exam.
“When one of my employees, Bonnie, started to take this course, I decided that I needed to follow through and take my final exam,” stated Corriveau.
The course, taught by Master Designer Carmen Nelson of Dexter, is sponsored by the Maine State Floral and Growers Association and is held at Bennett’s Wholesale Shop in Bangor. Classes takes place over an eight month period with designers attending three classes during each monthly session. During each class period, participants must complete an exam and the final includes an overall written exam plus students must create a floral design arrangement. Anyone taking this course must be sponsored by the Maine State Growers Association.
“The knowledge one learns in these sessions is invaluable,” said Corriveau, “you learn the basics in this course and it builds an awesome foundation for anyone in this business. Having a flare /talent for this type of work is a bonus but learning simple flower care and identification is a must.”
The intense floral course isn’t just about how to place flowers/plants in an arrangement. “You learn the mechanics,” said Theriault.
These mechanics include everything from understanding the crucial need for proper cooler conditions to using the cleaning solutions. Students also learn about the basic foundation of running a successful floral business regarding purchasing and delivery, the basic care of the flowers/plants and being able to determine the quality of any flowers that are to be purchased.
“It’s an awesome education,” said Corriveau, “right down to learning about the care and handling of flowers, the mechanics of design regarding texture/color as well as capturing artistic imagination.”
“We had to create corsages, sympathy arrangements, centerpieces and wedding pieces during this course,” laughed Corriveau, “Just when I thought I knew everything, I learned something new and I also realized how many bad habits I had.”
Phil’s Florist and Greenhouses, located on the Washburn Road in Caribou, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours (beginning late in May) will be Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information contact Corriveau at 492-4241.
