'Nature is packed with wonderful materials'

'An ode to nature! In all its design, color and growth.' Freelance floral stylist Thijs Harmens is distinctly enthusiastic about the Lush Natural Elegance theme. 'During our vacation to Bali, last June, I got enormous inspiration from the design of hotels but also the way of life and the unspoiled nature with all its beautiful plants, flowers and fruits.'

'As a freelancer I work with all kinds of materials. Fashion, nature, flowers but also the shape of a vase can be inspiring. I get motivation from my environment and how people are constantly innovating, developing and thinking about the future. That makes me think how to contribute in a positive way without compromising what I stand for. Previously I was very concerned with what others would think of it, now I increasingly follow my own feelings.'

'Besides ordering cultivated flowers, I also looked at what grows here in Zwolle. Nature is full of beautiful shapes and materials. I like to work with dahlias, roses and, if possible, fragile flowers with small details.'

Endless connection

This urn decoration contains a lot of symbolism and personal elements. The round lines of the Sanseveria plant and the Tillandsia symbolize the "circle of life," a symbolic representation of birth, survival and death. The added blackberries represent the beautiful end of a precious and loving life. The construction is composed using black pins.

Lasting memory

This handmade frame is made of 90% wood. The base structure was digitally designed and cut out using a laser cutter. The remaining wood was transformed into a top section, mixing wood powder with water and wood glue. Clematis, various grasses, blackberries, Viburnum berries, Zinnia and other beautiful seasonal flowers in soft shades of purple and pink were chosen for the floral combination. This arrangement can be beautifully placed next to the casket first as a tribute and then taken home as a lasting memory.

Infinite love

A scale piece (plank with bark edge) can serve as an arrangement for a natural grave or as a temporary grave cover - until the capstone is placed. Heart shapes are milled and sawed from the plank. Burlap cloth is attached to the bottom of the heart shapes. Sempervivum and Muehlenbeckia were planted in the heart shapes. The plants can root through the cloth so the arrangement will remain beautiful indefinitely.

Goodbye

To make such an arrangement, ask the bereaved to bring a flower and also if they would like to outline their hand on sturdy paper and cut it out. In advance, hang enough glass tubes in a tree. Upon arrival, people slide their hand around the tube and place their brought flower inside.

Circle of strength

A circle radiates strength, is protective but also represents perfection, infinity and friendship: character traits that can symbolize the deceased. The background is a cardboard cat basket. The harmonica of cardboard forms a beautiful natural background that can be unfolded into different round shapes. The shape is placed on a glass bowl, then glass stitching tubes are placed in the openings of the harmonica. With loose (dried) flowers without glass, it is a nice alternative for a natural cemetery - then it can blend in completely with nature. Here the glass tubes feature Abelia, Astrantia, Clematis, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Gomphrena, Houttuynia, Rubus, Scabiosa, Sempervivum and Viburnum.