A Radiant Fall

The base of this radiant fall arrangement is a plastic Christmas ornament. A hole was drilled into it, and legs were attached to the ornament. This immediately creates a watertight base. The ornament is covered with various types and colors of glass beads. Finally, the arrangement was finished with flowers whose colors complement the vase, such as Phalaenopsis ‘Altena’, Allium senescens, Phlox ‘Butterfly’, and Passiflora.

Mushrooms

These beautiful tree stumps are wrapped in floral wire and feature a candle holder and a candle. The arrangement is finished with preserved mushrooms. A small dish filled with Oasis has been placed in the center. Materials used include Dahlia ‘Hapet Harmony,’ Orlaya ‘White Finch,’ and Phalaenopsis.

Pine cones

This vintage lampshade is lined with Oasis Sec, which was secured with polyurethane foam. The arrangement was created using Banksia and pinecones. Interspersed among them are wooden candlesticks with yellow candles and small glass tubes. Other materials used include Heliopsis ‘Red Shades’ and Lavatera.

On a standard—

Joyce combines five dried Heliconia into one large arrangement. She arranged beautiful flowers in between them. “It could easily be a cool bridal bouquet, but I hung this one on a stand.” Materials used include: Heliconia ‘She Kong,’ Phalaenopsis ‘Exclusivo Pikachu,’ Phalaenopsis ‘Crème,’ Tillandsia, clematis fluff, Sarracenia, and Physalis skeleton.

“It fascinates me that you can always create something different.”

“After completing my floral design training and master’s program, I started out eighteen years ago as a freelancer for large weddings, trade shows, and companies. It fascinates me that you can always create something different. The possibilities are endless. I draw inspiration from everywhere—nature, travel, the seasons, social media, or simply taking a walk through the woods or the castle gardens. I combine colors, shapes, and materials in my head and then get to work.”

“I love combining cultivated flowers with materials found in nature. What you find in nature, you can’t get at auction, and what you get at auction, you won’t find in nature. Personally, I’m crazy about orchids—different varieties with beautiful colors. I love to include them in every arrangement. My living room is also full of different kinds of orchids, which I try to get to bloom again and again.”

“Floral arrangements can tell a story, too”

“An important part of our work is creating funeral arrangements. That’s precisely where I realize just how special the florist’s craft can be,” says Pascal Zijlmans. “At one of the most intense moments in life, we get to create something that offers comfort, evokes memories, and reflects a person’s personality.” For him, funeral arrangements are therefore about personality, meaning, and experience. “An arrangement must truly reflect the person for whom it’s made. As a florist, you can still make a difference during such an intense moment. That’s where the tremendous power of our profession lies.”

Pascal draws his inspiration first and foremost from people. “Everyone has their own story, personality, and memories. I try to reflect that in my work.” Nature is also an important source of inspiration. He enjoys working with natural flowers, plants, and materials, drawing on their diverse shapes, colors, textures, and movements. “I like it when an arrangement doesn’t look too perfect or contrived, but rather natural and unique.”

Pascal sees a growing need for experience and meaning. “People don’t just want to see the end result. They’re also interested in seeing how something comes to be and the care and craftsmanship that go into making it.” He also notes a growing interest in natural and biodegradable materials. “The future of the floral industry lies not only in creating beautiful flower arrangements, but above all in telling stories, creating experiences, and offering personalized attention.”