'Reuse to Reduce'

Floral designer Hanneke Frankema is always looking around for bases. That yielded her, for example, a set of beautiful wooden tables, one of which she was able to use immediately for this edition. ‘Keep your eyes open, I always say. For example, we had bought residual wood from a staircase maker, and what was at the bottom of the Big Bag? All beautiful cylindrical hardwood pieces in different sizes. I put them in a nice dish and incorporated the flowers in between. Waste can be beautifully reused in this way.’

'I also like to use (residual) wooden boards and beams as a base regularly. For example, a piece of beam that was left over from the construction of my classroom next to our house has found its way into an arrangement where it is used as a base. So what would normally be thrown away could now be used very nicely for an arrangement.'

'Old materials are also regularly given a second life. For example, I used dried Craspedia as the basis of a fine, sweet heart – so I never throw them away! You can make beautiful dried and therefore long-lasting bases or objects from it. You can also often remake the surfaces themselves numerous times with other and/or fresh materials. In short: reuse to reduse!

Dance of nature

The base consists of a thin metal rod, wrapped in rubber, from which a braided structure of willow branches gracefully curves downwards. This arrangement plays with negative space and balance, emphasizing the natural dynamics of the materials. The floral arrangement is powerful and expressive. Fritillaria imperialis sits enthroned at the top like a fiery (emperor's) crown, while chrysanthemums and Pieris enrich the composition with subtle layering. Floating Eucalyptus fruits and Asparagus enhance the sense of movement and lightness.

Natural spiral

The base of this sculptural arrangement is a handmade vase, carefully constructed from scraps of wooden slats wrapped in clay. This has a robust, earthy appearance and emphasizes the sustainable nature of the design. A spiral of braided grasses and natural fibers is wrapped around the vase, embracing the floral composition in a flowing movement. A special detail is the iron points on the outside of the piece. These marking points emphasize important structural lines and create rhythm and movement within the design. Thin, curved branches and airy Asparagus foliage enhance the vertical dynamics. Lilies, chrysanthemums, and Anigozanthos provide a warm color balance.

Emerging power

In this sculptural arrangement, nature and structure converge in an upward movement and balance. The base consists of a weathered tree trunk, a symbol of transience and renewed growth. From this rise thin branches like an abstract forest. Wrapped iron wire elements reinforce the direction and tension of the arrangement. Fritillaria imperialis forms an impressive focal point, while Anigozanthos, Pieris, Asparagus plumosus, lilies, and a single French Tulipa add playfulness and elegance. The dynamic lines and airy placement of the materials also make the robust composition refined; an embodiment of the resilience of nature.

Citrus energy

The composition, with yellow in the leading role, radiates fresh energy through the playful combination of floral and natural elements. The base is a hand-woven pot of liana vines. A lively mix of Hamamelis, Oncidium orchids, Ranunculus and Cape greenery is placed in it. In contrast to the whimsical lines of Hamamelis and the playful structure of the orchids, the cream-white Ranunculus brings softness. Dangling lemons not only enhance the color scheme, but also symbolize vitality. The texture of the Cape greenery enhances the natural look.

Rhythmic balance

Two bundles of even branches, firmly tied together with rubber elements, form the basis of the composition. The floral arrangement grows harmoniously within these ascending organic structures. The illuminating orange calyxes of Sandersonia aurantiaca give the piece a playful, dynamic appearance. Spherical seed pods of Scabiosa stellata subtly add texture, while fine Asparagus plumosus foliage softens the composition with airy movement. The metal lines in the background enhance proportions and structure. An intriguing dialogue between geometry and natural growth.