‘Pure emotion captured in a period of time’

For florist Max van de Sluis, spring is one of the most beautiful moments of the year. 'A lot happens. Different plants and flowers emerge, everything gets color in the garden and nature, and above all, life becomes warmer and more pleasant.'

‘All this is pure emotion, and also captured in a period of time. I then try to incorporate that into my floral arrangements. That means sometimes working with a lot of color, so that an explosion is, as it were, depicted in an arrangement. And at other times I will opt for the subdued transformation from dead nature to the new and fresh green as it sprouts in the spring.’

'It is particularly intriguing and inspiring every year. The spring season has so much to offer. Just think in terms of colors from warm to cold - each color palette represents its own emotions and pure beauty.'

'Ranunculus really give the feeling of spring'

Floral designer Marcel van der Haar likes to work with parrot and French tulips in the spring. ‘I also think ranunculus really give the feeling of spring.’

'What I like to show in my arrangements is the changing of the seasons. I then incorporate dead winter materials such as dried grasses. These are then, as it were, slowly displaced in my arrangements by the colorful spring flowers that herald the next season.'

‘Besides the fact that I really enjoy working stylistically, I mainly prefer to present products as naturally as possible in my arrangements. Nature is therefore my greatest source of inspiration. I also see at trade fairs that many honest materials in natural colors are slowly being used again – although colorful counterparts can always be found.’

'As a car enthusiast, I can also be very inspired by a beautifully designed car, piece of furniture or building. It is important to look around you carefully, wherever you are – then the inspiration will come naturally.'