Soft yellow softness

World Bee Day (May 20) celebrates the importance of bees to our natural environment and food supply. By encouraging organic flowers and reducing the use of pesticides, we create a safe and healthy environment for these indispensable pollinators - and for ourselves. Vases made from beeswax, filled with soft pastel-colored flowers, are a lasting tribute to the bees themselves. Narcissus 'Bridal Crown', Ranunculus 'Hanoi', Scabiosa 'Vanilla', accentuate the fragility and beauty of nature.

Green reflection

In the language of flowers and forms, the spiral depicts growth, infinity and the cyclical nature of life. The green Ilex tendrils, stripped of leaves, are arranged in a spiral form - a path inward and outward, just as thoughts and actions affect each other.

Within this movement are white Tulipa 'Maureen' that open to the light, a sign of purity, forgiveness and new beginnings. They symbolize respect and hope, a gentle reminder of the power of giving. On the Day of Good Deeds (April 14), this arrangement speaks in silence and invites reflection. "How a small act expands like circles in water, how goodness continues through time.

Radiant happiness

Blue radiates tranquility, confidence and infinity. In flowers, blue symbolizes harmony and the desire for peace and connection. The deep blue hues of Anemone 'Galil Blue' and Muscari 'Carola' bring a sense of hope and comfort. In relation to the International Day of Happiness (March 20), blue symbolizes inner contentment and a calm heart. Happiness is often found in moments of stillness and serenity.

Tendrils of Hedera and twisting willow branches are woven together to form a round base. Round and braided, because happiness always goes together with connection with the other.

'Showing the power of symbolism'

With a passion for nature and creativity, Peter van Asselt combines his work as a nurse with his love for green art. After several professional trainings, he has increasingly focused on liturgical and symbolic flower arrangements, sustainably made with as many organic flowers as possible.

'As a liturgical arranger I am associated with Egmond Abbey, where I provide floral arrangements for high feasts and special occasions. I also organize workshops and exhibitions such as Symbolism and Greenery. Through my floral work I especially want to show the power of symbolism and natural beauty. Nature is the inspiration and at the same time the basis for my arrangements that express wonder and gratitude for nature. What nature gives us, but also what nature asks of us, makes me silent and humble.

'Together with Hanneke Maassen, I am currently working on a book about natural arrangements to the rhythm of the seasons, to be published in mid-2025. For the DPK special Spring, I drew inspiration from the various themed holidays: 'Why not also Pink Day and World Bee Day?'

Blooming simplicity

On a base of Oasis Floral Foam Bio, Solidago 'Caran Glory' was inserted into a wreath shape with a very consistent movement. In the resulting open center space, Narcissus 'Dutch Master' and Narcissus 'Tête-à-Tête' have been staked short, with a few offshoots halfway up the Solidago wreath form.

Cycle

For this base, a vase three-quarters filled with Oasis Floral Foam Bio for the heavy stems, the top part of the vase is filled with Oasis TerraBrick for the softer stems and a nice finish. The base is made of dried sunflowers and dried-in roadside flowers from last summer. Through this frame 'grow' the tulips, Clematis Amazing Seville, Sanguisorba 'Red Dream', Talinum 'Long John', Chaenomeles, Fritillaria meleagris, Geranium, Hamamelis, Helleborus 'Bella Belles', Ranunculus and Polianthes tuberosa. All materials are staked in a natural-looking parallel fashion.