Playful connection

A wooden trough containing ball moss and a frame of reused wooden elements can either be placed on the ground or placed freely in the room on a pedestal - to be admired from all sides. The object continues to attract attention through its different textures and structures. Spray roses, orchids, Clematis and lisianthus are placed in glass water carriers. Rosehip branches, peacock feathers, golden fern leaf (silk), salmon pink Lagurus, Christmas ornaments, paper butterflies and graceful hummingbirds provide playful connection.

Chic Christmas wreath

This stylish wreath is presented on a wooden base with an artisan character. Attached to this is Oasis Renewal floral foam - a sturdy durable base with an elegant deep black color. On top of this, Decorum's Rose Lily is inserted in a graceful moon shape. The refined look of this special lily stands out beautifully against the contrasting black - the whole forms a chic, modern arrangement that shows craftsmanship.

Christmas, feast of light

Just when the days are shortening, floral designers can add warmth, glow and a festive touch to interiors with their arrangements. Handcrafted creations, natural materials and playful accents in wine red, bronze, gold or surprising black link an individual story to every room. Family and friends gather around the table, floral creations bring warmth and coziness. In the darkest time of the year, Christmas is rightfully the feast of light.

'I showed what I stand for'

Flower stylist Franka Roenhorst (35) finished fifth at the World Cup Floral Art in The Hague in August 2025. As the brand new Dutch champion Floral Art (January 2024), she entered as the Dutch delegate in a field with the world's best. The competition required sharpness, creativity and stamina - and earned her a place in the leading group. In this interview, Franka looks back on the competition, the preparation and the choices she made along the way. How did she stay close to herself, what worked well, and what will she take with her toward her daily work and new plans?

'There are still tremendous opportunities'

After more than two decades at the helm of Smithers-Oasis Benelux, Chris Martens is stepping down as managing director. A great moment for a candid conversation about innovation, sustainability, his love for the flower business and the people who create it.

'Flowers can literally let you speak'

'Funeral flower arrangements are a personal message to the deceased or the bereaved, a translation of emotion,' says floral designer Max van de Sluis. 'This is how I make the flower arrangements warm but also colorful and expressive - never cold. Flowers can literally let you speak.'

That intention also frames the form. 'With a pillow you literally say 'rest in peace,' that captures a multitude of memories. And a heart shape I like to give extra movement, so it becomes more personal and looks less stiff.'

'Usually I work in a very planned and visual way. Before I start, I already have about 90 percent of the end result in my head. I am a visual thinker - first see it before me, then do it.' In his use of materials, he consciously chooses extremes 'It is either a multiplicity or the power of mono.'

Recently his book Sustainable Flora Design, which Max co-authored with Per Benjamin, was released. In it a lot of inspiration for the florist. 'Sustainability is an inescapable trend that everyone in our industry has to deal with. Just think of stricter requirements of (natural) cemeteries and a more conscious public. That makes 'sustainable' techniques and materials increasingly important - especially in funeral arrangements.'