Arranging flowers is a hobby to some, but 30,000 people make a living from selling them. There are more than 7,700 florist's shops in the UK, many of them small and employing three or four people.
Most are linked by organisations such as Interflora and Teleflorist, which allow customers to send flowers worldwide. The Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place this week, is popular with florists seeking ideas in this competitive field.
Florists offer an individual service, wrapping and decorating arrangements for customers; some specialists design exclusively for special occasions. They buy flowers wholesale - most are from the Netherlands - and cater for customers' special requests, including some from celebrities. Elton John and the Beckhams are especially renowned for their floral extravagance.
Many courses in floristry are available, the most esteemed being the National Diploma of the Society of Floristry, though qualifications are not vital
You need to be artistic, creative and dextrous. Flowers are given on happy and sad occasions, so sensitivity when dealing with customers is essential.
Income
Unqualified florists usually receive only the minimum wage, now£4.20 an hour for most adults and £3.50 for anyone under 22.
Above this, pay varies greatly according to region and type of business. Roland Davies of the British Floristry Association quotes £15,000 as an average salary.
Qualified florists can earn £25,000 a year as managers; freelancers in London get up to £12 an hour. Many work part-time.
Perks
The job is varied, with flowers in season at different times and design influenced by trends in furniture and interiors. It's very arty, with different florists developing their own styles.
'Flowers are the only product that can say anything to anyone on any occasion,' says Caroline Marshall-Foster of Florist & Wholesale Buyer magazine.
Disadvantages
Flowers don't like heat, so you have to get used to working in the cold.
The work is physical: 'Your long red nails won't last for long,' says Angela Turner of the Society of Floristry. Expect to work very long hours at busy times: 'Valentines Day is only there for 24 hours,' Turner points out.
The market fluctuates greatly. Flowers are a luxury, so sales are quick to suffer with economic downturn. There is increased competition from supermarkets.
The future
Florists have to stay in touch with fashion to compete with the supermarkets.
'The customer is more discerning, and floristry is becoming more design and fashion-oriented,' says Roland Davies. Designs from Germany and the Netherlands are increasing in influence.
Slaves online
Wage Slaves now has its own section on the Unlimited website where all the articles in this series can be found in alphabetical order: click to theguardian.com/work/wageslaves