'Compared to nature, I remain a student'
‘Inspiration is everywhere,’ says floral designer Max van de Sluis, ‘but for me, nature remains the most important source. If you look closely, you can learn so much from nature. Not only how plants grow and bloom, but also about their lines, about transparency, or the lack thereof. But above all, you can find special color combinations in nature, often unexpected but actually always in a certain harmony.’
‘You sometimes see flowers in multiple together, but also in a solitary group. I then try to capture and isolate this emotion, sometimes to perfect it. But in the end, I remain a student in relation to nature – no matter how hard I try.’
‘I also use all this inspiration for my bridal work. I often apply it in small portions, for example, in the combinations of form and material or natural movements. All this with the aim of making the bride even more beautiful and completing this special day.’
Shining star
At every wedding, the bride is the radiant star. She is the most beautiful of the day, with festive clothing, a beautiful hairstyle and make-up, and with flowers that seem to tell the story of a long and happy marriage.
Online masterclass Flower Crowns by Hitomi Gilliam
From May 16th to 18th, the internationally renowned floral designer Hitomi Gilliam will conduct a three-day online masterclass themed Ephemera: Creating One-of-a-kind Flower Crowns.
Keukenhof looks back on a radiant season
Keukenhof successfully concludes the 2025 season. Over 1.4 million visitors from all corners of the world enjoyed the colorful spring park between March 20 and May 11. Keukenhof was rated by visitors with a score of 8.7, a wonderful compliment for a colorful experience.
A Path to Floral Mastery – Claudia Tararache (Romania)
A florist with deep roots in her culture, driven by craftsmanship and emotion. Claudia works in her family's flower shop, Anturium Flowershop, which is also where her love for the profession began. When her husband first took her to the store, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale world. Since then, she has become an indispensable part of the company.
New campaign puts cut hydrangeas in the spotlight: ‘Iconic Flower, Iconic Floristry’
With the start of the new Hydrangea World promotion plan, the cut hydrangea is launching a campaign that directly appeals to florists: Iconic Flower, Iconic Floristry. The campaign runs from 2025 to 2027 and aims to inspire florists to distinguish themselves with cut hydrangeas. The kick-off will take place in May.