Truth, goodness, and beauty revealed in the flower arrangement

Amidst the delicate petals, brilliance and beauty unfold, where art harmonizes with the enchantment of nature, igniting inspiration. In the course titled "New Agricultural Science Practice - Flower Arrangement and Appreciation", this captivating scene comes to life. Led by teacher LI Fang, every weekly session sees the entire class immersed in the creation of diverse flower arrangements, encompassing flower preservation, Eastern natural-style, Western rule-based style, modern free-style arrangement, bouquet packaging, preserved flower gift boxes, and pressed flower bookmarks.

"After attending several weeks of classes, I have come to realize that Chinese traditional flower arrangement embodies the cultural crystallization amassed throughout history," JIANG Sijia expressed, an undergraduate student from the 2023 cohort. Flower arrangement represents both a decorative art employing plant materials and a comprehensive practice that integrates knowledge from various disciplines. Characterized by elegance and down-to-earth, the essence of flower arrangement can be encapsulated in the principles of "truth, goodness, and beauty." "Truth" pertains to the comprehension of plants. In the flower arrangement class, students acquire knowledge concerning the scientific and common names of each flower used, as well as insights into their blooming periods and preservation techniques. "goodness" reflects a positive value orientation, just like bestowing each flower arrangement with a beautiful and meaningful name. "Beauty" embodies the pursuit of aesthetic outcomes. Through flower arrangement, students create beauty, and this aesthetic experience impacts both the creators and those who behold the artistry to varying degrees.

This course ingeniously amalgamates knowledge, enjoyment, and practicality. LI Fang explains that students instinctively grasp the elusive act of freely arranging exquisite flowers. The course systematically equips them with the principles of floral aesthetics and techniques of floral design.

"Taking this course is both relaxing and enjoyable; it helps alleviate stress", LI Shengjie shared, an undergraduate student from the 2023 class. "Witnessing my final creation come to life fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment."

As the course progresses, students' knowledge and skills steadily improve. They transition from the initial experimental stage to the creative stage, effortlessly crafting arrangements using provided flower materials in an informed manner. Moreover, they confidently select flower containers and materials to fashion distinctive and imaginative works.

The completed flower arrangements produced in the class become cherished possessions, adorning students' dormitories or workspaces, allowing them to immerse themselves in this enchanting experience. These works can also be retained for course evaluation, with pots adjusted by the teacher and teaching assistants, and subsequently gifted to other teachers and nearby students. Through this daily sharing, the beauty of flower arrangement perpetually transcends and touches the lives of others.

Adapted and translated from the article written by OUYANG Yuxuan, HAN Mingzheng and HE Xi

Translator: GU Zhaoyu ('25, Education)

Photo: OUYANG Yuxuan, ZHANG Zihao, the interviewees

Editor: HAN Xiao ('25 PhD, Education), TIAN Minjie