VBW, the Dutch Florists' Association, organized an inspiring and creativity-filled evening on Wednesday, November 19th. More than 200 visitors were treated to intriguing demonstrations by Frédéric Dupré and Mike Boerma.
Before the break, the demonstration program featured symmetrical creations by Frédéric Dupré and Mike, but later focused on organic, more asymmetrical work. They not only introduced the audience to interesting techniques but also showcased beautiful botanical materials. These demonstrations ushered in an evening of floral design competition, from the VBW Flower Cup 2025 to Floral Future demonstrations.
Creativity, Learning, and a Colorful Evening
But there was so much more to explore yet! Upon entering the ICOON theatre, we were intrigued by beautiful bouquets and creations by legendary designer Gregor Lersch and the students of the Boerma Institute's Master's program. Gregor also introduced the students to the audience on stage and explained the bouquets they had created, along with the inspirations behind them.
VBW Flower Cup 2025 Competition Highlights
Following Gregor Lersh's demonstration was a competition organized explicitly for this event. The VBW Flower Cup 2025, 25 florists participated in creating unique Christmas arrangements using OASIS®BIO Floral Foam, from Oasis Floral Products. The entire arrangement had to have a natural look and reflect a 'Floral Future' arrangement.
‘Floral Future’ is a theme for sustainable floristry, expressed through the use of friendly materials that allow for creativity without limitation. Every participant showed up and expressed themselves fully, creating intricate yet captivating Christmas-themed arrangements. The top 3 florists and designs that stood out the most are listed below.
Top 3 Designers
- Mike Boerma – Boerma Instituut – 85.83 points
- Demi van der Veer – Bloemstylist Hans Zijlstra – 78.50 points
- Lucinda den Adel – Flora Inn – 78.00 points
Announcement of the 2026 Dutch Floral Art Finalists
To top it all off, the finalists for the 2026 Dutch Junior and Senior Floral Art Championships were also announced. The finalists are given below (in random order).
NK Floral Art Juniors
- Scharissa Blomsma
- Demi van der Veer
- Valentin Candia Mahn
- Thijmen Hommes
- Joël Folkers
- Jolien Noorman
- Gerrit van Aalst
NK Floral Art Professionals
- Anniek Siegers
- Astrid Meijerink
- Joyce Brueren
- Melissa Smedes
- Marla Hoorn
- Lianne Smith
- Mike Boerma
- Conny van der Westerlaken
A Night That Celebrated Community and Creativity
It was a worthy evening, filled with amazing florists, valuable conversations, immense learning, and unlimited creativity. It is always a joy to watch and experience colleagues' creativity in motion. The VBW event delivered, bringing a great number of creatives together and providing a stage to learn, network, and express. Congratulations to all winners of the ‘Floral Future’ competition and to the finalists of the 2026 Dutch Junior and Senior Floral Art Championships. I wish you well as you continue building up.
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