Unexpected Encounter: A surrealistic twist in flowers and plants

The world around us is increasingly dynamic and unpredictable. This translates into the Unexpected Encounter trend, in which contrast, alienation, and experimentation play the leading roles. In this style trend, we see bold combinations that evoke tension and wonder.
UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

Surprising combinations in flowers and plants
In Unexpected Encounter it’s all about contrast. Flowers and plants are combined in a way that raises questions: does this really go together? Colors seem to clash, shapes are illogical and materials play with perception. Think of a bouquet in which Calla's are combined with hanging Amaranthus, or pastel bouquets that look deceptively sweet due to their use of color.

We see the same playful effect in plants. Non-green foliage plants and extreme color contrasts create an alienating appearance. This gives flowers and plants an almost magical or fairytale-like quality.

The power of unexpected colors and materials
Color use is essential in this trend. Neon pastels – colors that look both bright and watery – form the basis. Transparent and glossy materials reinforce this effect, making the combination of flowers and plants extra surreal.

What does this mean for the florist?
The Unexpected Encounter trend offers plenty of inspiration for high-profile arrangements and innovative store presentations. Flowers and plants are increasingly being used as a means of expression. Consumers looking for originality and surprise will be attracted to this style.

(Read more about the Green Sector Trends 2026 and how they influence the market here)

More articles

Photostudio Gerard-Jan Vlekke / Fotovak
Tomasz Kuczyński wins World Cup Floral Art 2025!
IMG_7130
OK Plant raises €6,000 for KWF with Gift Sets
Joseph-Massie-World-Cup-Floral-Art
Joseph Massie in new episode 'A Path to Floral Mastery'
screenshot-1750406439918
Gábor Nagy in new episode 'A Path to Floral Mastery'
FlowerTrials2025_Press1
International interest confirms FlowerTrials as top global event
Cut Hydrangea
PerlaNova Breeding introduces cut hydrangea assortment through HiBreeding
Park Amaryllis 2024
Amaryllis also conquers the garden: exotic blooms in spring
Memory in Bloom
Memory in Bloom: hands-on mourning flower arrangement workshop with Pascal Zijlmans
Flower Council
Flower Council Holland becomes Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland
KasteeltuinenArcen_Varenvallei_JoDaniëls (1)
Arcen Castle Gardens opens largest 'Stumpery Garden' in the Netherlands
EPHEMERA+Mechanics
Online masterclass Flower Crowns by Hitomi Gilliam
Keukenhof
Keukenhof looks back on a radiant season
Screenshot 2025-05-12 at 14.44.10
A Path to Floral Mastery – Claudia Tararache (Romania)
HannekeFrankema_2021_0390
New campaign puts cut hydrangeas in the spotlight: ‘Iconic Flower, Iconic Floristry’
Group photo BBH board and Supervisory Board
Flower Council Holland Introduces Supervisory Board and Renewed Governance Model
chrysant justchrys chrys blooms bloom's wedding pastel
Inspiration and visuals for Just Chryst's wedding season
_R003252
Participants of the World Cup Floral Art 2025 announced
19060-s1280x840-fwebp
435 years of Hortus botanicus Leiden and the history of the tulip in the Netherlands
2024IFTF
IFTF 2025: International Floriculture Sector Meets in Vijfhuizen
Masterclass-Pien-Flowers-5
Training 'Displacement' by Pauline Arkesteijn at Floral Academy
image webinar sustainability
Consumer expects concrete action from the floriculture sector on sustainability
Gregor-Lersch
Exclusive 2-day Masterclasses with Gregor Lersch
British-Flowers-Week-2024-Garden-Museum-London-Debrah-J-Flowers-Photography-by-Rona-Wheeldon-High-Res-14
British Flowers Week 2025: floral art and British floriculture in the spotlight
Hydrangea_26_scale_100_ppi_300_quality_100_embedMetadata_true_contentETag_9
‘Vitamin Hydrangea’ campaign puts the spotlight on garden hydrangeas
error: Content is protected !!!