Flourishing cultural exchange

In October 2024, four students from Lentiz mbo Oostland and Lentiz mbo Westland, together with teachers Anja Olijhoek and Karin Pasman, traveled to China for a special study trip. The trip, organized in collaboration with the China Urban Agriculture Vocational Education Group, was a unique opportunity for both students and teachers to immerse themselves in Chinese floral art and educational structures. In addition, the students participated in an international floral art competition, where they were able to compete with their Chinese peers. It was a learning experience full of cultural exchange, new techniques and unforgettable moments.

Learning how to think creatively and sustainably

The YU-event of Yuverta took place on Wednesday, October 9th, at the new school location in Roermond. This event not only marked the launch of the intermediate vocational education program in Flower, Greenery, and Styling at this location but also the special collaboration between education and the business community. The sustainable school building and the inspiring activities symbolize the future of vocational education, with the students at the center.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword

There is no doubt that our sector has come under heavy fire lately in terms of sustainability. At the beginning of October, the news broke: 'Florist's work in France proves fatal: first link between pesticides and child's death demonstrated'. Shortly afterwards, the municipality of Zutphen appeared in the press: 'On the initiative of the Party for the Animals, the municipality no longer gives flowers as gifts because a majority of the municipal council believes they are not sustainable.'

New Beginnings

The floral industry breathed a sigh of relief when Be-Florist, the Belgian trade association, decided to breathe new life into the major flower event in Alden Biesen: New Beginnings was born. Those who could be there enjoyed it. For those who could not be there or want to reminisce, we bring a short review of a first successful edition.

‘My favorite flower is the dandelion’

We meet Gábor Nagy during Férie Florale in the Landcommanderij of Alden Biesen in Belgium, where he is busy preparing for his demonstration. 'I am in Alden Biesen for the first time. But Belgium has a very special place in my heart because I won my first international competition here in 2017, Eurofleurs, the European Championships for Juniors.'

Attractive bare branches

Nowadays, we are swimming in abundance. The range of flowers and plants has become seasonless. A tulip in September and a sunflower in January. Foodies who are sensitive to sustainability question this and seek seasonal connection. This is not so easy in the winter period. It requires an extra eye for the never-decreasing beauty of nature. The beauty of bare branches becomes visible.