'In every creation I put a piece of myself '

Florist Charlotte Bartholomé is always looking for new materials, shapes, colors and trends. She is passionate about her craft and exudes creativity and enthusiasm. She finds her greatest inspiration in nature. 'Yet for Christmas, I am tempted by traditional values. Christmas speaks in red-green colors and has its own language of shapes: stars, wreaths, little trees. Also Christmas greenery and typical Christmas decorations like Christmas balls, glitter, pine cones, Ilex berries you have to add to your end-of-year creations every year! The colors red, green and gold also guarantee atmosphere and coziness.'

'The great thing about a job as a florist is that you can make people happy. Flowers bring happiness, joy and atmosphere. During the end-of-year period, there is a large selection of greenery and decorative materials, as well as special winter flowers. There are also many different things to do: create bouquets for the store, decorate shop windows, decorate winter weddings, provide table decorations, decorate parties and events. In each creation I can express my creativity and put a piece of myself into it.

'Nature always tells the best story'

At the Interflora World Cup competition in Manchester, German candidate Nicolaus Peters took the world title. His work is characterized by beautiful details and a refined approach. Who is he and what are his motivations. We spoke to the new world floral art champion Nicolaus Peters two days after his victory. 'I still can't believe I won. It only penetrates me very slowly. It is an incredible achievement, I am overwhelmed but also so incredibly proud!'

'World Cup participation was a fairly spontaneous action'

Floral designer Melissa Smedes after winning the selection round may represent the Netherlands at the Fleurop Interflora World Cup on September 7, 8 and 9 in Manchester, England. Who is Melissa, what inspires her and how will she approach the competition as one of the youngest participants. A conversation with this ambitious florist on the eve of the competition.

'The focus is always on the flower'

Master florist Petra Konrad lives in a small town near Mainz, Germany. She has just returned from an intensive period of teaching in China. With a group of florist friends, she founded the FlowerArt Academy 10 years ago with the aim of promoting creativity in the profession. "We will have to reset everything and start thinking in a new way, but that takes a lot of time.

'A good viewer can signal a lot'

Czech artist Přemysl Hytych, Prem for short, is not a typical florist but connects all kinds of design in his work. "I work with people, with designers and environments, and try to bring all of this together in my work.

'Flowers should speak'

Atmosphere maker Frederiek van Pamel, works intensively with flowers, plants and decoration for interiors, gardens and parties. 'Atmosphere and perception are two key words for me. Nowadays we are fed by social media and everything that can be seen optically. You can't just put something down: people want more.'