Professional Flower Care Certification
A six-month intensive program designed for professionals who want to build real expertise in plant health, seasonal maintenance, and consultation practices for Azerbaijan's unique climate.
Curriculum Overview
This program covers the fundamentals and advanced techniques you'll actually use when working with clients. We focus on practical application over theory.
Foundation Skills
Understanding soil composition, pH levels, and water requirements for different plant families. You'll learn to diagnose issues and recommend solutions based on observable symptoms rather than guesswork.
Seasonal Adaptation
Azerbaijan's climate presents specific challenges. We'll work through summer heat management, winter protection strategies, and transitional care between seasons with hands-on examples from local gardens.
Client Communication
How to conduct consultations, document plant conditions, create maintenance schedules, and set realistic expectations with clients. These skills often matter more than technical knowledge when building a sustainable practice.
Problem Solving
Identifying and managing common pests, diseases, and environmental stress. You'll develop systematic approaches to troubleshooting rather than relying on quick fixes that don't address underlying causes.
Business Foundations
Setting up your consultation service, pricing your work appropriately, managing client relationships, and handling the administrative side of running a small service business in Azerbaijan.
How the Program Unfolds
Each phase builds on previous work. Missing sessions means catching up independently, so consistent attendance matters.
Weeks 1-4
Getting Started
We cover the basics you'll reference throughout your career. Plant biology, growth cycles, and environmental factors. Nothing fancy yet, just building a solid foundation.
Weeks 5-10
Hands-On Practice
You'll start working with actual plants, diagnosing problems, and implementing care plans. This is where things get interesting and you'll see which areas need more of your attention.
Weeks 11-16
Client Scenarios
Simulated consultations where you'll practice explaining issues, recommending solutions, and handling the questions clients actually ask. You'll also learn what not to promise.
Weeks 17-20
Advanced Techniques
Specialized topics like propagation, grafting, and working with temperamental species. This section assumes you're comfortable with everything covered so far.
Weeks 21-24
Real Projects
You'll work with actual clients under supervision, complete your certification project, and prepare for running your own consultations independently after the program ends.
Lead Instructor
Ruven Kessler
Ruven spent fourteen years working with botanical gardens and private clients before starting this program. He's dealt with everything from neglected office plants to heritage rose gardens, and his approach focuses on what actually works rather than textbook ideals. Most participants appreciate his straightforward style, though he admits his explanations can get detailed when someone asks the wrong question at the wrong time.
Applications Open June 2025
We're accepting applications for the September cohort starting in June. The program runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons to accommodate working professionals.