Under the glare of stage lights, the carnations, potted mums, and tropical flowers on the set of a television sitcom are not immediately noticed.

But two Mississippi State retail floristry majors know that days beginning at 3 a.m., careful attention to design, and rigid deadlines are essential to the simplicity of a floral arrangement that is televised to millions.

With the help of university assistant professor Jim DelPrince, December graduate Jennifer N. Edwards of Dyersburg, Tenn., recently completed a three-month internship with Sandy Rose Floral Design for Television and Film. The North Hollywood, Calif., company provides floral designs for several current television series.

While Edwards was completing the internship, a fellow floristry major, senior Brandon Branch of Tylertown, joined his friend for a weeklong visit at her work. Their collaborative efforts can be seen on episodes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and soap operas "Days of Our Lives" and "Passions."

Edwards said she is the first student intern ever hired by the company devoting itself exclusively to the entertainment industry.

Both students confirmed the Hollywood adage: Life behind the cameras isn't usually glamorous.

"It looks so different on television than it does in reality," Branch said.

"The designers work with set decorators to plan flowers that accurately reflect the lifestyle and personalities of characters," Edwards explained.

Edwards credits "excellent training" at MSU for helping her adjust to the endless demands of Hollywood.

"I worked at the University Florist on campus and learned to interact with other professionals," she said. "Also, as a member of the Student American Institute of Floral Designers, I and other students had many opportunities to test our skills."

She returned to L.A. in February to assist with floral designs for the Oscars.

Edwards, newly interested in floral styling, has applied for a position with Home and Garden Television, while Branch is focusing his future in the field of set design.