Willow catkin: Modest, but versatile
Some seemingly simple materials turn out to be surprisingly versatile. The goat willow (Salix caprea) is a good example of this. Modest in appearance, but abundant in the Dutch landscape. Willow grows wherever the soil contains sufficient water. It is a tree that is deeply rooted in our culture and craftsmanship.
International top florists steal the show
Many trade visitors from the flower and plant industry came to IPM Essen from January 27 to 30. For florists, Creative Hall 5 was the place to be. Here, on the IPM Flower Stage, a rotating stage, floral trends and live shows were put in the spotlight for four days. The stands surrounding the flower theater featured presentations by the shows' main sponsors, including Marginpar, Decorum, FLOOS, and Smithers-Oasis.
‘Giving flowers is like passing on a little magic.’
Atelier Sören Van Laer We know Sören Van Laer from his participation in national and international competitions, from demonstrations on stage at IPM Essen or Fleuramour, and from his creative contributions to DPK Floral Magazine. But together with his French partner, master florist Aymeric Chaouche, he has also been running a thriving flower shop for five years […]
Between dream and reality: An Italian Dream
An Italian Dream. That is the latest Masterpieces video by Kim Bücholdt, Björn Kroner, and FM Group. This episode, which is less than ten minutes long, takes us on a journey through the Italian lifestyle.
Trends in floral art
Every year, Marginpar asks a leading designer to compile a Floral Trend Report to inspire fellow professionals. For 2026, that designer is Mike Boerma. His work takes him all over the world, while international influences converge in Aalsmeer through the Boerma Institute. This constant interaction forms the basis of his trend overview.
‘I enjoy working with seasonal flowers.’
Erika Oldenhof is a certified master florist and owns a flower shop. "I also enjoy working as a freelancer. It allows me to showcase work that is different from what I do every day in the shop. And, very importantly, you don't have to calculate every single stem.
I draw my inspiration mainly from everyday life and home and fashion magazines. I also always look around me carefully, especially in nature!
For me, spring means: the trees are sprouting leaves again, flower bulbs are blooming, the days are getting longer, and there is more room for the sun. We're going outside again!
I enjoy working with seasonal flowers, such as (French) tulips, anemones, viburnum, and blossom branches. My customers are also increasingly opting for seasonal flowers, partly because of their soft colors.