What is the difference between horticulture and floriculture?

What is Horticulture?

Horticulture is the big picture.

It’s the science and art of growing plants for human use and enjoyment. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, ornamentals, greenhouse systems, soils, water, pests, seasons… horticulture connects it all.

When I studied horticulture, I was learning how ecosystems function:

• How soil health affects everything above it

• How plants respond to light, temperature, and water

• How regenerative practices support long-term sustainability

• How thoughtful stewardship honors the land we are lucky enough to care for

This grounding shaped my philosophy as a farmer. It’s why we compost, why we pay attention to what’s happening beneath the soil surface, why native plants and pollinators matter here, and why Serenity Hill Flower Farm is designed to work with nature, not against it.

Horticulture taught me how to listen to the land.

Photo: We plant cover crops to feed and nurture our soil which is an essential part of our soil management system and our commitment to healthy land.

What is Floriculture?

Floriculture, on the other hand, is all about flowers.

It’s a specialized branch of horticulture focused entirely on ornamental plants such as cut flowers, flowering annuals and perennials, and greenhouse-grown blooms. Floriculture is where science meets beauty.

Through floriculture, I learned:

• How to grow flowers specifically for cutting and vase life

• How timing, pinching, spacing, and harvest stage affect quality

• How post-harvest care preserves freshness and longevity

• How flowers move from field to hand-tied bouquet with intention

Floriculture sharpened my eye. It taught me to grow not just healthy plants, but exceptional flowers. This is the heart of our bouquets, our CSA flowers, our U-Cut experiences, and our wholesale offerings.

Photo: By starting our seedlings in the greenhouse, we control temperature, light, and care to ensure vigorous, healthy plants and exceptional blooms for you.

Why I Studied Both

I studied both horticulture and floriculture because I wanted to immerse myself in learn about the science and art of growing.

At Serenity Hill Flower Farm, floriculture gives us the flowers you fall in love with. Horticulture ensures we’re growing them responsibly, sustainably, and with deep respect for the land.

Together, they shape everything we do here. It guides the way our fields are planted, how our flowers are harvested at peak perfection, and how we invite guests to slow down and reconnect with nature at our U-Cut Farm Events.

Serenity Hill: Where the Two Meet

Serenity Hill Flower Farm lives at the intersection of horticulture and floriculture. It’s a place where:

• Healthy soil supports stunning blooms

• Thoughtful growing practices honor future seasons

• Learning never stops

• Beauty unfolds one flower at a time

Studying both fields didn’t just prepare me to grow flowers—it helped me create a farm rooted in knowledge, care, and joy. And I’m so grateful to share that with you.

Thank you for being part of our story.