Dutch Lily Days 2025: Innovations and challenges take center stage

From June 3rd to 6th, 2025, the world of lilies will take center stage during the annual Dutch Lily Days. This event offers breeders, growers and traders the opportunity to meet and exchange knowledge about 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 an impressive track record. In the 80s and 90s she had a flower shop in Zwolle, then she was a sales agent and co-owner of a wholesale business in accessories. After the sale in 2020, her old love for the flower trade resurfaced.

'Besides my vocational training in flowers, I am also a gardener. I find inspiration in beautiful flower borders, in wild flower fields, but also in a basket weaving course. Anyway, as with so many, nature in all seasons is my greatest source of inspiration. In my French house with a large wild garden and forest, I experience how you can live off-grid with everything that nature has to offer, rain for water, sun for electricity and wood for heat.'

'Returning 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 again by the wood stove at home after a brisk winter walk. Even in winter, I like to use as many natural materials from the forest or garden as possible. Making refined floral work such as twisting
a wreath or a festoon gives me enormous satisfaction and peace.
It makes me happy and it really fits with winter atmospheres.'

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

Florist Rosanne Geerdink started studying AD Floral Art at the Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Wageningen immediately after graduating as a beautician. 'I enjoyed the floral education so much that I started looking for challenging workplaces. I also participated in the Flowercups. After my education, we started Floral Queen floral stylists, with which we show what we are capable of.'

‘I get inspiration from nature and from purchasing flowers, plants, and products. When purchasing, I already think of beautiful applications and how I can present it. I also get inspiration from social media, international floral designers, and interior and fashion.’

'The theme Winter always appeals to me, also to translate into floral work. Within the winter theme I have made a lot of use of different types of pine cones - even pine cones on a branch as you can find them in nature. And of beautiful flowers including my favorites: Nerine, Amaryllis, Helleborus, Gloriosa and garden roses.'

‘You can clearly see an increase in the use of sustainable materials and flowers, and of surfaces that you can reuse. Soft fabrics and handmade candles are also a trend, as is a lot of color in floral work and in the interior.’

‘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 flower enthusiasts, which means we are constantly innovating and always trying to inspire the customer with new materials.'

‘In our floral industry, there is an increasing demand for sustainability. People are willing to pay more, but then they should also be able to enjoy it longer. So, more durable arrangements and vases and pots that are timeless.’

‘I work together with my sister Rosanne and in the evenings we regularly text each other with new inspiration. For the theme of winter, we found inspiration from fellow arrangers from the Scandinavian countries where it is really winter – and you can also find the real winter materials. For me, winter means: cold, icy, sober nature, candles, wood, pine cones, animals in the forest. The use of soft materials is also appealing and flower bulbs – which already refer to spring.’

'We generally work very colorfully, so it is quite a challenge to make beautiful arrangements with the austere winter materials. Hence, the arrangements also have a small nod to color.'

Green and flowers as a lifestyle

Upon entering, visitors are immediately struck by the pleasant and convivial atmosphere of the Trade Fair Aalsmeer. The beautiful presentations of plants and flowers add substance to the profession. While there aren't a plethora of groundbreaking innovations, the event provides an excellent and enjoyable overview of the versatility and strength of the Dutch floricultural sector.

Winter Wonders

From the square outside, an atmospheric illumination can be seen through the large windows of the Grote of Lebuinuskerk in Deventer on November 13th. Inside, the church is transformed into an intimate festive location 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, will provide a number of demonstrations of stunningly beautiful arrangements in winter atmospheres. All this to inspire the floristry world that has flocked in large numbers.