‘The focus is always on the flower’
Master florist Petra Konrad lives in a small town near Mainz, Germany. She has just returned from an intensive period of teaching in China. Together with a group of fellow florists, she founded the FlowerArt Academy ten years ago with the aim of promoting creativity in the profession. ‘We will have to reset everything and start thinking in a new way, but that takes a lot of time.’
Don't forget the little ones!
When we think of spring, we quickly think of the fanfare of the bulb assortment. It is mainly the tulips that appear in all sorts of ways; they are our national symbol. We usher in the season with a beautiful tulip picking day, and Keukenhof shows what the Netherlands excels in. But spring also has a subtle side. Then our gaze turns to the little ones. They bring joy and endearment.
‘A good observer can signal a lot’
The Czech artist Přemysl Hytych, or Prem for short, is not a typical florist but connects all kinds of design in his work. 'I work with people, with designers and environments, and try to bring it all together in my work.'
What nature gives us
Amidst all the midwinter decorations, you sometimes wonder what it would be like if nothing came from a heated greenhouse, if it had to be local, seasonal. Then you look around and discover materials that may be somewhat underexposed. This makes it all a little less colorful, but no less fascinating.
‘Flowers must speak’
Atmosphere creator Frederiek van Pamel, works intensively with flowers, plants and decoration for interiors, gardens and parties. 'Atmosphere and experience are two key words for me. We are currently fed by social media and everything that can be seen on the phone. You can't just put something down: people want more.'
Feuilles Mortes
An article about the atmosphere of autumn. Then it is all too tempting to use the title ‘Feuilles Mortes’. The French title (literally: dead leaves) refers to a song by Yves Montand in which the melancholic atmosphere of autumn, with its fallen leaves, plays a role. But this beautiful sadness is only one element of autumn.