Hardcover book
For this design, Mike used a technique he had previously applied in his design for the VBW Flower Cup 2025. Instead of covering handmade chicken wire with wax, he opted for a clay finish. This design is emphatically not a bouquet, but an arranged piece. It includes, among other things, a Gloriosa from Gloriosa van Ruiten, a Vanda from Ansu, and a Jatropha from Marginpar.
Illusion
This asymmetrical design uses a simple wire structure, combined with a variation on the so-called spiderweb technique and executed with stripped conifer branches. This technique is incorporated into the first four arrangements and creates the illusion that the bouquets stand completely on their own. In reality, they are supported by subtle “legs” of the structure, which are virtually invisible due to their reflection in the water. For this design, Mike used, among other plants, Helleborus, Scabiosa, and Gloriosa from Marginpar.
Floating Autumn
The base of this arrangement consists of a wooden plank to which five lampshades are attached. The wooden legs make it appear as if the plank is “floating.” The lampshades were filled with coiled grasses. A bird has even built its nest here—which remained among the lampshades after the eggs hatched. The inverted lampshades are filled with Oasis and arranged with, among other things: Dahlia ‘Hapet Harmony,’ Epidendrum, Phalaenopsis, Tillandsia, poppy seed pods, Sempervivum, wild marjoram, and Lagurus ovatus (hare’s tail).
A Radiant Fall
The base of this radiant fall arrangement is a plastic Christmas ornament. A hole was drilled into it, and legs were attached to the ornament. This immediately creates a watertight base. The ornament is covered with various types and colors of glass beads. Finally, the arrangement was finished with flowers whose colors complement the vase, such as Phalaenopsis ‘Altena’, Allium senescens, Phlox ‘Butterfly’, and Passiflora.
Mushrooms
These beautiful tree stumps are wrapped in floral wire and feature a candle holder and a candle. The arrangement is finished with preserved mushrooms. A small dish filled with Oasis has been placed in the center. Materials used include Dahlia ‘Hapet Harmony,’ Orlaya ‘White Finch,’ and Phalaenopsis.
Pine cones
This vintage lampshade is lined with Oasis Sec, which was secured with polyurethane foam. The arrangement was created using Banksia and pinecones. Interspersed among them are wooden candlesticks with yellow candles and small glass tubes. Other materials used include Heliopsis ‘Red Shades’ and Lavatera.