'It's always about finding balance'

With a refined sense of structure and a poetic approach to botanical materials, Belgian designer Chantal Post brings a unique voice to contemporary floral art. Her compositions stand out through their architectural clarity, profound respect for nature, and technical excel
lence. With a constant focus on sustainability, she creates evocative works that balance strength with subtlety - each design telling an understated yet powerful story.

'My designs clearly have an architectural character. I create structures from botanical materials, shaping them into living sculptures, whether temporary or lasting. It's always about finding balance - between nature's spontaneity and the precision of lines, between organic freedom and deliberate form. I enjoy crafting pieces that show meticulous attention to detail and demonstrate strong technical expertise. Each composition is unique, harmoniously blending aesthetics with craftsmanship.'

'I guide the botanical elements without forcing them, exploring their expressive potential while remaining true to their nature. My goal is to reveal both strength and fragility. Essentially with my com
positions I aim to capture the moment, inviting viewers to pause, observe, and quietly contemplate.'

'My creative approach is both structured and intuitive. Often, a single spark - a texture, image, or plant - triggers inspi
ration. From there, I develop ideas through mental sketches and hands-on experimentation. Materials themselves often guide the direction; even a piece of aged wood or cluster of twigs can spark an entire creation. Precision and finesse remain central throughout this process. My intention is to create unique works where aesthetics meet technique, where plants become a language, and where each structure tells a silent, vibrant story.

'I naturally prefer working with raw, organic materials such as branches, bark, and dried foliage, which provide an authentic foundation for my structures. Occasionally, I integrate artificial elements - not to imitate nature, but to add bold contrasts or graphic accents. Sustainability plays a significant role in my approach. Given the investment required, I design pieces that are solid, modular, and reusable, often renting them out multiple times before selling. This practice balances artistry, ethics, and economics, adding lasting value to each creation.'

'While proud of many past projects, I don't dwell on them, driven forward by fresh ideas and ambitions. My pride comes from seeing the ongoing evolution of my passion for floral art, each project building on the experience of the last.'

'Representing Belgium at the World Cup is an extraordinary milestone - particularly since it has been 23 years since our country last participated, and I'm the first woman selected. It's a long-held dream now becoming reality. I approach the competition meticulously prepared, focusing on technical precision combined with personal artistic sensitivity. By creating pieces that have a soul, I hope my work speaks authentically and powerfully for itself.

'Always a dialogue between the concept and the material'

Armenian floral designer Arman Voskanyan brings together floristry, architecture, and philosophy in a conceptual approach to floral art. Known for his dramatic style and sculptural compositions, he works at the intersection of design and contemporary art, using color and form deliberately and expressively. Through his studio FlowerStory, he crafts floral narratives that speak with artis
tic depth, all while keeping sustainability and authenticity at the core of his creative process.

'A floral piece should not simply decorate a space - it must become its focal point, a visual metaphor of an emotion, a theme, or an inner state. My work is best described as a synthesis of floristry, architecture, philosophy, and an intuitive sense of form. I move along the edge of design and art, creating expressive spatial compositions that aim to evoke a mood, provoke thought, and resonate deeply. People often describe my style as dramatic, cinematic, and meaningful - and I embrace that.'

'My inspiration is a dialogue with the world: nature, architecture, light, sound, movement. A piece of music, a moment in memory, or a specific material can all spark a concept. I'm especially sensitive to color - it is often the first impulse that drives a design. Usually, I see the final image in my mind before even touching a flower. From there, it becomes a process of translating an internal feeling into form, structure, rhythm, color, tension, and silence. Always a dialogue between the concept and the material.'

'Now, I'm drawn to bold, vibrating colors that carry emotional charge and shape the atmosphere of the composition. I love sculptural, architectural lines and often build custom frameworks that aren't hidden but instead serve as visible, expressive components. These forms guide the structure of the work. Sustainability is part of this thinking. It's not about refusing tools, but about working smart - reusing materials, employing eco-friendly methods, and showing respect for resources. Sustainability, to me, is a mindset.

'I take pride in having represented Armenia at the Europa Cup and in South Korea, not only for the challenge but for the chance to speak through my work to a global audience. Being published internationally is meaningful - it tells me that the themes I explore are understood across borders. My studio, FlowerStory, remains the most important part of my career. It's where we turn personal stories into floral narratives - where floristry, design, and contemporary art meet.'

'The World Cup is not just a competition - it's a dialogue of aesthetics, philosophies, and cultures. To be part of this is an honor, a challenge, and a personal milestone. I think conceptually, use color with purpose, and work through atmosphere
phere, structure, and story. Minimalism, silence, the unexpected - these are tools, not risks. They are where individuality lives. That is my voice, my pathway.'

Sustainable Floral Design

Unique arrangements, using special sustainable techniques, and reusable bases. 'Everything we do affects something else.'

Dutch Masters

A New Take on Dutch Still Life

Arcen Castle Gardens opens largest 'Stumpery Garden' in the Netherlands

Kasteeltuinen Arcen will open a new themed garden at the end of May: the Varenvallei (Fern Valley). This is the largest so-called 'Stumpery Garden' in the Netherlands. This garden is decorated with more than two hundred fern species, combined with reused tree roots and stumps, creating a playful and mysterious atmosphere.

Powerful and Sparkling

Summer has caught up with spring; we can certainly say that. Record sunshine hours, pleasant temperatures – although it remained cold during the nights for a long time – and drought. The latter is something that growers are not happy with. Another unpleasant surprise was the publication of a report by PAN-NL, and the attention this generated at Radar. Again, some confronting results and the unfortunate timing for the flower industry just before Mother's Day. Although it is important to determine the consequences of the research results for yourself as a florist.

Sustainability is therefore the most important challenge for florists who want to work in a future-oriented way. This is why sustainability will also be given a prominent place in the upcoming World Cup Floral Art 2025 in August. Putting the Netherlands back on the map as a flower country is the motto of the VBW, which is in charge of the organization. Proactive, and above all a fantastic goal.

Central to the summer special is the positive vibe that flowers can certainly bring about in this season. The selection is overwhelmingly large, as are the possibilities within the floral industry. Lots of color, lots of inspiration and lots of energy: the summer brings all these elements to unprecedented heights. Let's embrace this boost of Summer Power above all.

Also in this edition, traditionally, the bridal floral work special. This time with the bride in the leading role as Shining star. The bridal bouquets, each beautiful in their appearance, make the bride shine even more on one of the most important days – according to many, the most beautiful day – of her life. Beautiful flowers are incorporated into all bridal bouquets, and they are inventive and have special shapes and plenty of details. In short, all the ingredients to make the bride the radiant center.

A powerful and sparkling summer!

Anita Meuleman,

Editor-in-chief