‘Spring makes floral arrangements shine’
Florist Bente van Meurs is a young floral talent from Brunssum, in the south of South Limburg. During her studies in Flower, Greenery and Styling, she participated in the Skills competitions. ‘That participation was a very enriching experience for me. By training hard and shadowing various florists – including Hanneke Frankema – I even became Dutch Champion. This allowed me to represent the Netherlands at the EuroSkills Gdansk in Poland; a mega great experience!’
'In addition to my studies, I am a teacher of visual arts and design at the Art Academy in Maastricht, and I also have my own company called 'Uniek van Bente'. I give workshops, provide guest lectures, do freelance work and create content for 'Bloemist kleurt je leven' (Florist colors your life), an initiative of the VBW where young florists show how to add color to life through flowers and plants.'
For the special Spring edition, Bente created a number of colorful arrangements. 'In the spring, the days get longer, and the sun shines a little longer and more often. Everything comes into bloom. Spring flowers and green materials regain color and make the floral arrangements shine.'
Pink, I'm here for you
Pink Day (April 9th) is dedicated to love and care. Salix branches are interwoven into a heart, like people in a community, symbolizing resilience and connection. The pink Tulipa 'Double Future' represents tenderness, compassion, and hope. The arrangement reminds us how important it is to be there for each other. The whole forms a powerful symbol of love and support, fitting with the message of Pink Day: no one is alone.
Purple freedom
On Liberation Day (May 5), we celebrate freedom and commemorate the power of hope and resilience. In this arrangement, green-yellow dogwood branches, Cornus 'Flaviramea', are bundled vertically in a vase. A powerful symbol of stability and growth. The purple Scabiosa 'Dark Cherry' blooms from the branches, as a sign of freedom and the unfolding of new possibilities. Together they tell the story of a future built on strength, connection, and hope.
Soft yellow softness
World Bee Day (May 20) highlights the importance of bees for our nature and food supply. By stimulating organic flowers and reducing the use of pesticides, we create a safe and healthy environment for these indispensable pollinators – and for ourselves. Vases made of beeswax, filled with soft pastel-colored flowers, form a lasting tribute to the bees themselves. Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’, Ranunculus ‘Hanoi’, Scabiosa ‘Vanilla’, accentuate the vulnerability and beauty of nature.
Green reflection
In the language of flowers and forms, the spiral represents growth, infinity, and the cyclical nature of life. The green Ilex vines, stripped of leaves, are arranged in a spiral shape – a path inward and outward, just as thoughts and actions influence each other.
Within this movement lie white Tulipa 'Maureen' that open to the light, a sign of purity, forgiveness, and a new beginning. 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 ripples in the water, how goodness continues in time.'
Radiant happiness
Blue radiates peace, trust, 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 satisfaction and a calm heart. Happiness is often found in moments of silence and serenity.
Tendrils of Hedera and curly willow branches are interwoven to form a round base. Round and braided, because happiness always goes hand in hand with connection with the other.