‘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.
‘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.