Belgiëplein, a quaint and pleasant location in the Nieuw Sloten District of Amsterdam is known for its picturesque surroundings and lively atmosphere. It is a spot characterized by beautiful architecture and green spaces that offer some sense of sereneness and tranquility amid the obvious bustle associated with just about any other metropolis. And right there is where Amsterdam Flowers is located. If you’ve heard of this flower shop, then you’d know that it is just the perfect go-to place for your beautiful bouquets and other floral gifts!
A Journey Into the World of Flowers That Began Unexpectedly
Managed by Bas de Groot, Amsterdam Flowers is more than just your ordinary flower shop; it offers more. It is an exemplification of what resolute passion for floral artistry, and enthusiasm for connecting people through the beauty of flowers, coupled with the ideals of floral sustainability, can yield. The flower shop boasts a rich history intertwined with a modern, avant-garde twist to the art of floristry. And, right here is where Bas, assisted by his sister-in-law Francis de Bie, brings a fresh angle to the traditional Dutch flower industry. They combine modern aesthetics with accessible luxury.
Bas got into the world of flowers somewhat out of the blue. At the tender age of twelve, a desire for fashionable and high-priced clothing led him to his first job working for a local flower grower. This sparked his love for flowers and one thing led to the next.
Bas de Groot:
"It actually started because of my expensive taste in clothes. My parents suggested that I earn my own money, and that's how I found myself in the flower business. I never imagined that my first job would lead to this. But once you fall in love with flowers, there's no turning back."
Now you get the idea. Right? This seemingly accidental start for Bas developed into a lifelong passion for flowers. Thus, after ten years of perfecting his skills at a flower stall, he took a leap of faith. He purchased his first flower shop. And this was the foundation for what would become Amsterdam Flowers. He didn't quite inherit a business. Rather, he inherited a legacy, a tradition of Dutch floral artistry that stretches back over four decades, because the flower shop, established in 1984 has been a prominent mark of floral artistry in Amsterdam for over forty years; blending Dutch floral tradition with contemporary design.
More Than Just Flowers: A Modern Aesthetic and Accessible Luxury
Amsterdam Flowers was established as a response to the need for high-quality yet accessible floral arrangements in the city. According to Bas, his view and vision for the flower shop, essentially, goes beyond the mere act of selling flowers. He sees this business as an enabler of human connection; using flowers as a vital medium for expressing emotions that words sometimes fail to capture.
Bas:
"Whether it's a wedding, a funeral, a get-well, or simply a show of support, flowers always make a meaningful impact. I've seen countless times how the right bouquet can uplift spirits or express emotions when words cannot. That's the real magic of our profession; we don't just sell flowers; we help people connect and share feelings."
This philosophy is demonstrated in practically every aspect of Amsterdam Flowers; from the careful selection of blooms to the personalized service offered to the customers. Thus, under the new proprietorship of Bas and Francis since 2024, Amsterdam Flowers has gone on to nurture a unique identity within the competitive Amsterdam market. The shop's aesthetic is decidedly modern and high-end, yet simultaneously accessible and affordable. This balance allows them to cater to a wide range of customers, from those seeking a simple, elegant bouquet to those looking for an elaborate, luxurious, bespoke arrangement.
The shop's online presence further enhances accessibility, allowing customers to browse and order from anywhere in Amsterdam as well as other regions like Zwanenburg near Haarlemmermeer, Diemen, Amstelveen, Badhoevedorp, Landsmeer, Halfweg and Lijnden. This is complemented by the fact that Amsterdam Flowers is part of a larger network of online flower shops including Buurtbloemist and De Duinroos that share the same zeal and passion for flowers. According to Bas, through these different flower outlets, they guarantee same-day delivery for orders placed before 2 pm on weekdays and noon on Saturdays, ensuring that the freshest blooms arrive promptly at their destination, and in this way, they reach even more people with their love for flowers and personal service!
A Diverse Bouquet of Sustainably Produced and Sourced Floral Offerings
The range of floral products available at Amsterdam Flowers is super-extensive and caters to an equally wide range of events. They deliver anything from classic bouquets for practically every season and occasion, to different elemental flowers, luxurious arrangements, and gift sets that also feature chocolates, wine, and teddy bears. They even work with houseplants which have also become increasingly popular as gifts, and which they deliver anywhere in the country in pots. Not just these; they have a lot more on offer, you just have to check them out, and you will not be disappointed!
Flowers Fresh From the Auction, Straight to Your Door
The team at Amsterdam Flowers personally selects the finest flowers at the Royal FloraHolland flower auction to ensure unmatched freshness and quality. The flowers are then sorted, packaged, and arranged for delivery, meaning whether one seeks a vibrant wildflower arrangement, a classic round bouquet, or a luxurious gift set with chocolates, they are delivered anywhere nationwide.
Amsterdam Flowers:
“Because all the flowers we use are bought on the same day at the flower auction, every bouquet is 100% fresh and of the highest quality!”
And, among their unique offerings is Bas' favorite flower—the Eremurus, or Foxtail Lily—known for its striking appearance and elegance. Seasonal holidays like Easter hold special significance for him, though, as they provide an opportunity to showcase an array of colorful blooms that symbolize the renewal and joy that spring season brings.
Keen on Sustainability
What is more, sustainability is neither a new concept nor merely a trend for Amsterdam Flowers; it is a core value deeply entrenched in the flower shop's operations. Sustainability-wise, Bas emphasizes the need for the flower industry to evolve, and that Amsterdam Flowers is playing its part in this cause.
Bas:
"The flower industry needs to evolve, and we're committed to leading this change because it is a small change that makes a big difference to the environment. Our commitment is reflected in several key practices including sourcing flowers from environmentally friendly growers, using biodegradable floral foam, prioritizing local sourcing and seasonal flowers, and paying close attention to energy consumption, packaging materials, and cleaning products.”
Plus, for Bas, working with seasonal flowers isn't just about sustainability; they are often more beautiful and last longer. And, when you follow the rhythms of nature, you get the best results while reducing your impact on the environment. All these practices have, in turn, earned Amsterdam Flowers the prestigious Golden Certificate from the Sustainable Florist Barometer for their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Buying from Amsterdam Flowers, therefore, means customers are not only choosing beautiful flowers but also supporting a business keen on protecting the environment and the planet. So, do you live in Amsterdam or nearby? Then be sure to stop by at Amsterdam Flowers and get inspired! And since they, also, offer custom work and special floral creations at the flower shop, just tell them what you really desire, and they will make it happen!
Photo by Amsterdam Flowers (amsterdamflowers.nl).
