What does the term "processing" refer to in floral design?

The term "processing" in floral design specifically refers to the essential steps taken to prepare flowers for display or sale. This includes cutting flower stems to the appropriate length, making angled cuts to facilitate water uptake, and treating the flowers with solutions or additives that help preserve their freshness and longevity. Proper processing ensures that the flowers remain hydrated and healthy, which is crucial for their overall appearance and shelf life.

This term does not involve the arrangement of flowers in a vase, which focuses on the artistic aspect of floral design. Likewise, packaging flowers for delivery pertains to the protection and presentation of the flowers during transportation, rather than their preparation for sale. Storing flowers in a cooler is related to maintaining their freshness after processing but does not encompass the full range of actions involved in the processing stage, which is critical for ensuring quality from the moment the flowers are received.