Dutch Lily Days 2025: Innovations and challenges take center stage

From June 3 to 6, 2025, the world of lilies takes center stage at the annual Dutch Lily Days. This event offers breeders, growers and traders the opportunity to meet and exchange knowledge on the latest trends and developments. The growing interest in double-flowered lilies will be one of the main topics of discussion.

'Back to the simplicity of nature'

Freelance florist Marion Hanenbergh has quite a track record. In the 80s, 90s she had a flower store in Zwolle, then she was a commercial agent and co-owner of a wholesale accessories business. After the sale in 2020, her old love for the floral profession resurfaced.

'In addition to my professional training in flowers, I am also a landscaper. I find inspiration in beautiful flower borders, in wildflower fields but also in a basket weaving course. Anyway, as with so many, nature in all seasons is my biggest inspiration. In my French house with large wild garden and forest, I experience how to live off-grid with everything nature has to offer, rain for water, sun for electricity and wood for heat.'

'Back to the simplicity of nature is also the trend I see. And that includes organically grown flowers. And although I prefer spring, it is also nice to warm up by the wood stove at home after a fresh winter walk. Even in winter, I like to use as many natural materials from the forest or garden as possible. Making refined flower arrangements such as turning a wreath or
of a wreath or a festoon gives me enormous satisfaction and peace.
It makes me happy and it also really suits winter moods.'

'At procurement, I am already thinking of beautiful applications'

Florist Rosanne Geerdink started studying AD Floristry at the Aeres Hogeschool in Wageningen immediately after her beautician's diploma. 'I liked the flower training so much that I started looking for challenging workplaces. I also participated in the Flowercups. After my training, we started Floral Queen floral stylists, showing what we can do.'

'I get inspiration from nature and from buying flowers, plants and products. When buying, I already think of beautiful applications and how to present it. I also get inspiration from social media, international floral designers and interior design and fashion.'

'The Winter theme always really appeals to me, also to translate into flower arrangements. Within the winter theme I used a lot of different types of pine cones - even pine cones on a branch like you can find in nature. And of beautiful flowers including my favorites: Nerine, Amaryllis, Helleborus, Gloriosa and garden roses.'

'You clearly see an increase in the use of sustainable materials and flowers. And of substrates you can reuse. Soft fabrics and handmade candles are also trending, as well as lots of color in floral arrangements and interiors.'

'A little nod to color'

Florist Marijke Geerdink has had her own business Floral Queen floral stylists in Goor for eight years after working as a freelancer for a long time. 'We work with a team of true lovers of flowers which makes us constantly innovative and always trying to inspire the customer with new materials.'

'In our flower business there is an increasing demand for sustainability. People are willing to pay more, but they have to be able to
longer. So more durable arrangements and vases and pots that are timeless.'

'I work together with my sister Rosanne and in the evening we regularly app each other with new inspiration. For the winter theme we found inspiration from fellow arrangers from the Scandinavian countries where it is really winter - and you also find the real winter materials. Winter for me means: cold, icy, austere nature, candles, wood, pine cones, animals in the forest. The use of soft materials also appeals and flower bulbs - which already refer to spring.'

'We usually work very colorfully so it is quite a challenge to create beautiful arrangements with the sober winter materials. Hence also in the arrangements a little nod to color.'

Green and flowers as a lifestyle

Already upon entering, visitors encounter the pleasantly convivial atmosphere of the Trade Fair Aalsmeer. The beautiful presentations of plants and flowers gives substance to the trade. Not that there are a lot of innovations to see, but all in all it gives a very good and pleasant impression of the versatility and strength of Dutch ornamental plant cultivation.

Winter Wonders

From the square outside, atmospheric lighting can be seen through the large windows of the Great or Lebuinus Church in Deventer on Nov. 13. Inside, the church appears transformed into an intimate festive venue for the Floral Event Winter Wonders. Two stages are connected by a catwalk and form the stage for the three floral designers who, at the invitation of the event team, provide a number of demos of stunningly beautiful arrangements in winter atmospheres. All this for the inspiration of the florists who came in large numbers.