Growing freely on the box

This casket arrangement is, of course, arranged loosely, creating a casual, botanical look. The foliage of Caladium and Alocasia ‘Polly’ provides bold shapes, contrasting with the delicate textures of Asparagus setaceus and Asparagus densiflorus. Low-growing Allium schubertii introduces a graphic interplay of lines to the base; Moluccella laevis, also known as Irish bells, adds vertical lines. The grayish hue of the Asplenium fern complements the casket lid. Panicles of Ammi majus and the soft pink flowers of Paeonia ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ soften the composition. A single flower of Clematis ‘Amazing Kyiv’ provides a subtle finishing touch.

A Growing Structure

Two Oasis BioLine BioWave forms on the wooden box support the floral arrangement. Short wooden sticks have been inserted into drilled holes. Biodegradable Oasis BioLine twine runs from stick to stick, forming an open framework with pinecones wedged between them. The orange flowers of Lilium ‘Menton’ contrast with the tones of the wood and twine. Whole stems of Asparagus densiflorus are woven through the structure. Fresh and dried Gleichenia polypodioides (coral fern) add varied textures and soften the transition to the lid. The visible structure is thus a fully integrated part of the design.

“Every person is different”

According to Geertje, funeral floral arrangements are becoming increasingly personalized. In her work, she’s noticed that bereaved family members deliberately choose colors and shapes that reflect the personality of the person they’re saying goodbye to. They also look for their own way to add a final touch to the arrangement. “Think, for example, of a handwritten note. There are so many different ways to do that.”

At the same time, she believes that funeral arrangements evolve with the times. Trends in fashion and interior design are often a source of inspiration. Geertje doesn’t see any one specific flower that is used exclusively for funeral arrangements. “Every person is different, and the same goes for flowers. That’s why any flower can be used in funeral arrangements.”

It is precisely this personal touch that makes these commissions so special to her. “I always consider it a great honor to create funeral arrangements
. How wonderful is it to create something for someone that perfectly suits that person?” With her thoughtful floral arrangements, she hopes to contribute to a meaningful farewell. As she herself says, “That’s why I do it.”

Without a trail

This temporary, floating memorial is made entirely of plant-based and biodegradable materials: skeleton leaves, dried flowers, and homemade natural glue made from flour.

As a symbolic gesture of remembrance and letting go, the object is placed on the water. It floats there for a while, after which it slowly absorbs water, sinks, and breaks down naturally. Here, transience does not represent loss, but rather forms an essential part of the design: something beautiful may exist temporarily and then return to nature.

Simplicity

The base of this arrangement is a wooden plank, to which Oasis Bio Table Deco is attached and filled with Oasis Renewal Bricks. Tufts of hydrangea (Hydrangea ‘Royal Grandeur’) were inserted into this very compactly. A number of Chasmanthium grasses were also incorporated, each attached to a small round wooden disc. These discs are scattered throughout the arrangement, and bereaved family members can write a phrase or a name on them.

Modern teardrop

The base of this arrangement is a teardrop-shaped piece of flexible plywood, onto which pieces of paper have been glued. The teardrop shape has been further embellished with rustic wire. Typha leaves and chrysanthemum flowers have been inserted into the Oasis Renewal Bricks. The flowers of Clematis ‘Amazing Kyiv’ are mounted on plastic tubes. The paper glued to the base is incorporated into the arrangement: small leaves were cut from the paper and glued onto the structure.