'Spring lets floral arrangements shine'

Florist Bente van Meurs is a young floral talent from Brunssum, the south of South Limburg. During her training in Flower, Greenery and Styling, she participated in the Skills competitions. 'That participation was a very rich experience for me. By training hard and competing with several florists - including Hanneke Frankema - I even became Dutch Champion. This allowed me to represent the Netherlands at the EuroSkills Gdansk in Poland; a mega great experience!'

'Besides my studies, teaching visual art and design at the Art Academy in Maastricht, I also have my own company 'Unique by Bente.' I give workshops, give guest lectures, do freelance work and create content for the 'Florist colors your life', an initiative of the VBW in which young florists show how to add color to life through flowers and plants.'

For the Spring special, Bente created a number of colorful arrangements. 'In spring, the days get longer and the sun shows itself a bit longer and more often. Everything comes into bloom. Spring flowers and green materials regain color and make floral arrangements shine.'

'Showing the power of symbolism'

With a passion for nature and creativity, Peter van Asselt combines his work as a nurse with his love for green art. After several professional trainings, he has increasingly focused on liturgical and symbolic flower arrangements, sustainably made with as many organic flowers as possible.

'As a liturgical arranger I am associated with Egmond Abbey, where I provide floral arrangements for high feasts and special occasions. I also organize workshops and exhibitions such as Symbolism and Greenery. Through my floral work I especially want to show the power of symbolism and natural beauty. Nature is the inspiration and at the same time the basis for my arrangements that express wonder and gratitude for nature. What nature gives us, but also what nature asks of us, makes me silent and humble.

'Together with Hanneke Maassen, I am currently working on a book about natural arrangements to the rhythm of the seasons, to be published in mid-2025. For the DPK special Spring, I drew inspiration from the various themed holidays: 'Why not also Pink Day and World Bee Day?'

Spring

As far as we are concerned, spring cannot start early enough. Immediately after the Christmas festivities, the beacons are immediately set. There is a need for space and light. The first flowering branches, the snowdrops, the Helleborus flowers and blue grapes: let them come, we know what to do with them.

Inspiring flower shows during IPM 

The German Florists' Association (FDF) organized daily flower shows in Hall 5 during the IPM Essen fair, which took place from Jan. 28 to 31 at Messe Essen. FDF created a meeting place for professionals in the floral industry, called FDF World, where trends and ideas were presented. These were developed by FDF art director Manfred Hoffmann and floral designer Oliver Ferchland.

Love is in the air  

During the IPM Essen fair, the "Love is in the air" demo show focused on bridal flower arrangements took place. This show was held January 28 and 29 on the rotating stage in Hall 5.

365 Days of Flowers presents the home trends for 2025 

The year 2025 kicks off 365 Days of Flowers with new inspiration for florists and arrangers. Living trends for 2025 will be introduced at IPM, focusing on Valentine's Day.