Tina Herman, age 15, of Chattanooga, Tenn., for her question:

WHAT IS FLORICULTURE?

Floriculture is the art, science and business of growing ornamental plants. Some ornamental plants are grown for interior decoration while others are grown for outdoor use.

Raising and marketing cut flowers and decorative plants rank as a large industry.

In mild climates, people grow cut flowers and potted plants outdoors, even in winter. But in cold climates, such plants are grown in greenhouses that can be heated during cold weather.

Floriculturists control the blooming of flowers by various techniques developed through research. They also control blossoming by planting the flowers on certain dates, by removing the tips of the plants and by regulating the temperature. Sometimes they even artificially lengthen or shorten the amount of light the plant receives each day.

Growers regulate and control the blossoming of flowers so they can have lilies for Easter and poinsettias for Christmas.

Researchers in floriculture have developed long stemmed carnations, thornless roses and double snapdragons.

Floriculturists work in nurseries, florist shops and seed companies.