‘We must fully ‘seize’ this time’
Florist Alex Aalders owns a flower shop in Assen. ‘I grew up with a father who was in the ‘gardens,’ so flowers came my way early on. In terms of inspiration, I mainly get a lot from creative colleagues, I like to visit trade events, and look at trade magazines, but also architecture, fashion and vacations bring inspiration. A frequently heard comment is that there are arrangements in trade magazines that are too large and too expensive – but I always think, you have to get the inspiration from it, not want to copy them.’
‘Due to circumstances, Christmas privately doesn't mean that much to me. But, for the store, it is of course a super nice creative and especially colorful time. We must fully ‘seize’ this time – but on Christmas Eve I will cocoon again.’
'It is difficult to say which trends are emerging, actually sustainability should be a trend, but yes, these days you sell a lot of wax amaryllis and colored branches. I myself find Simplicity a beautiful trend - simple in terms of layout and color, on the other hand I can also appreciate something super colorful.'
‘In every creation, I put a piece of myself’
Florist Charlotte Bartholomé is always looking for new materials, shapes, colors and trends. She is passionate about her profession and radiates creativity and enthusiasm. She finds her greatest inspiration in nature. ‘Yet for Christmas, I am seduced by traditional values. Christmas speaks in red and green colors and has its own formal language: stars, wreaths, trees. You should also give Christmas greenery and typical Christmas decorations such as Christmas baubles, glitter, pine cones, Ilex berries a place in your end-of-year creations every year! The colors red, green and gold also guarantee atmosphere and conviviality.’
'The great thing about a job as a florist is that you can make people happy. Flowers bring happiness, joy and atmosphere. In the holiday season there is a wide range of green and decoration materials and special winter flowers. There are also many different things to do: creating bouquets for the shop, decorating shop windows, decorating winter weddings, providing table decorations, decorating parties and events. I can put my creativity into every creation and put a piece of myself in it.'
Immortal summer
Sometimes the past suddenly catches up with us. That could also be the case with dried flowers. They have been popular again for some time. Why actually? Their nostalgic character? Their low maintenance? Or their durability?
‘Nature always tells the best story’
During the Interflora World Cup competition in Manchester, the German candidate Nicolaus Peters won the world title. His work is characterized by beautiful details and a refined approach. Who is he and what are his motivations? We spoke to the new world champion of floral design, Nicolaus Peters, two days after his victory. ‘I still can't believe I won. It's only slowly sinking in. It's an incredible achievement, I'm overwhelmed but also so incredibly proud!’
‘The World Cup participation was a fairly spontaneous action’
After winning the selection round, floral designer Melissa Smedes may represent the Netherlands during the Fleurop Interflora World Cup on September 7, 8 and 9 in Manchester, England. Who is Melissa, what inspires her and how will she, as one of the youngest participants, approach the competition. A conversation with this ambitious florist on the eve of the competition.
The ultimate bridal flower
The lily of the valley has all the assets to be the ultimate bridal flower. First of all, it is spotlessly pure white, traditionally the color of virginity. And then there is the freshness and the irresistibly delicious scent. A more practical aspect is its availability in May, the bridal month par excellence.