We meet Gábor Nagy during Féerie Florale at the Land Commandery of Alden Biesen in Belgium where he is busy preparing his demonstration. 'I am in Alden Biesen for the first time. But Belgium has a very special place in my heart because I won my first international competition here in 2017, Eurofleurs, the European junior championships.'

The flower world breathed a sigh of relief when Be-Florist, the Belgian trade association decided to revive the grand flower event in Alden Biesen: New Beginnings was born. Those who were able to attend enjoyed it. For those who could not be there or want to reminisce, we bring you a brief review of a first successful edition.

These days we swim in abundance. The assortment of flowers and plants has become seasonless. A tulip in September and a sunflower in January. Gourmets sensitive to sustainability question this and seek seasonal connection. In the winter season, this is not so easy. It requires an extra eye for nature's never-ending beauty. The beauty of bare branches comes into view in the process.

There is no doubt that our sector has recently come under fire in terms of sustainability. At the beginning of October the report came out: 'Work of florist in France proves deadly: link between pesticides and death of child demonstrated for the first time'. A little later the municipality of Zutphen was in the press: "On the initiative of the Party for the Animals, the municipality no longer gives flowers as gifts because, according to a majority of the city council, they are not sustainable.

At the new school location in Roermond, Yuverta's YU event took place on Wednesday, October 9. This event not only marked the launch of the secondary vocational course Flower, Green and Styling at this location, but also the special cooperation between education and business. The sustainable school building and inspiring activities symbolize the future of vocational education, with the students at the center.

In October 2024, four students from Lentiz mbo Oostland and Lentiz mbo Westland, along with teachers Anja Olijhoek and Karin Pasman, traveled to China for a special study tour. The trip, organized in cooperation with the China Urban Agriculture Vocational Education Group, was a unique opportunity for both students and teachers to learn about Chinese floral art and educational structures. In addition, the students participated in an international floral art competition, where they were able to compete with their Chinese peers. It became a learning experience full of cultural exchange, new techniques and unforgettable moments.

In the heart of Paris, we meet master florist Jean-François Boucher-Odent in Bernardaud's china store. Jean-François has been the floral scenographer of the extraordinary French Loire castle of Chenonceau, built over the waters of the Cher River and renowned for its magnificent gardens, for more than a decade.

From the square outside, atmospheric lighting can be seen through the large windows of the Great or Lebuinus Church in Deventer on Nov. 13. Inside, the church appears transformed into an intimate festive venue for the Floral Event Winter Wonders. Two stages are connected by a catwalk and form the stage for the three floral designers who, at the invitation of the event team, provide a number of demos of stunningly beautiful arrangements in winter atmospheres. All this for the inspiration of the florists who came in large numbers.

Already upon entering, visitors encounter the pleasantly convivial atmosphere of the Trade Fair Aalsmeer. The beautiful presentations of plants and flowers gives substance to the trade. Not that there are a lot of innovations to see, but all in all it gives a very good and pleasant impression of the versatility and strength of Dutch ornamental plant cultivation.