Green Design knows how to inspire
Green Design vocational students from Zone College proudly presented their creations during an inspiring show, showcasing colorful wearables and bouquets.
‘Nature is full of beautiful materials’
‘An ode to nature! In all its design, color and growth.’ Freelance floral stylist Thijs Harmens is extremely enthusiastic about the Lush Natural Elegance theme. ‘During our vacation to Bali last June, I got a lot of inspiration from the design of hotels, but also the way of life and the unspoiled nature with all the beautiful plants, flowers and fruits.’
‘As a freelancer, I work with all kinds of materials. Fashion, nature, flowers, but also the shape of a vase can be inspiring. I get motivation from my environment and how people are constantly innovating, developing, and thinking about the future. That makes me think about how to contribute in a positive way without detracting from what I stand for. Previously, I was very concerned with what others would think of it; now, I am increasingly following my own feelings.’
'Besides ordering cultivated flowers, I also looked at what grows here in Zwolle. Nature is full of beautiful shapes and materials. I like to work with dahlias, roses and, if possible, fragile flowers with small details.'
'Plants play a big role'
‘Deep red and burgundy are welcome,’ says floral designer Hanneke Frankema, ‘with accents in gold, cream or white tones and surfaces with an oil luster or mother-of-pearl, you make it special. Distinctive color and powerful design: the Lush Natural Elegance theme doesn't need much.’
‘Within this theme, plants and organic shapes play a major role. These can be characteristic strong leaf shapes, but also flowers with special shapes that often match beautifully with each other. Consider the Guzmania, Gloriosa, Phalaenopsis, but also Celosia, with which you as a florist can really make a statement.’
‘Everyone knows it, you have nice vases but a piece is missing or the paint is peeling off. But you don't throw them away either, so they often gather dust in the closet for ages. Yet they offer many possibilities if you think 'out of the box' for a moment and breathe new life into them by sprucing them up. For example, I applied dark red and gold accents to pots and vases with self-adhesive mourning ribbon made of woven fabric. A product for which I see many other applications.’
Happy Dahlia
A certain understatement cannot be denied to the Dahlia. She comes across as simple, happy and not too complicated. But that designation is a bit too modest. Looking at her application and diversity of appearances, you could say she is one of the stars of late summer.
How do you distinguish yourself as a florist?
Do you ever ask yourself this question? The answer is not as simple as the question. In an increasingly transparent world and a supply chain that is getting shorter and shorter, it is becoming increasingly difficult for florists to distinguish themselves. What do you focus on and where are the opportunities?
"Roaming the garden together in search of materials."
Freelance florist and teacher Linda Eising prefers to keep her farewell floral arrangements close to the personal wishes of the customer. ‘It is my challenge and strength to translate those wishes into floral work. Gathering information from the bereaved by visiting, listening, asking the right questions and looking around gives me the right information to get started.’
‘Purchasing materials or, even better, using plants from home or the garden. Strolling together in your own garden for the most beautiful materials. It is often precisely those materials that have been lovingly cared for and admired by the deceased.’
‘When searching for materials together with the bereaved, the most beautiful stories and precious memories emerge. This often immediately serves as a piece of bereavement processing. When you then make an arrangement from all those materials, you see tears of emotion and recognition in the eyes of the relatives when delivering it. That gives me a lot of satisfaction.