The 52nd Festival of Flowers at Zamek Otmuchów in Poland, where Iwona and Weronika Kwiatek invited me too, was an experience I won’t soon forget. Set in the heart of the small town of Otmuchów, this historical castle became the setting for a floral event that felt more like a poetic tribute than a traditional flower show. The Kwiatek family surprised me. Their warmth and strong commitment were exactly what the event needed to succeed. And of course, a strong team of designers surrounding them.
A Castle Full of Stories
With its creaking wooden floors, stone corridors, and weathered history, the castle already carries its own stories. But during this festival, it opened its arms to new ones—told not through words, but through flowers, craftsmanship, and connection.
.jpg "Zamek Otmuchow")
A Shared Language Among Floral Designers
This year, I had the chance to witness a beautiful team of international floral designers who worked side by side with an inspiring group of Polish designers, including Ann Lavyshka, Katarzyna Witecka, Anna Kłosowska, Agata Kiwior, Jolanta Snopek, Elżbieta Jabłońska, Klaudia Rodak, Maria Anderwald, Klaudia Zaręba, Łucja Kwiatek, and Franciszek Kwiatek. And Kristina Rimienė, Ania Norwood, and Beata Kaas—dear friends and artists I admire—brought their perspectives, skills, and sense of beauty to the castle. Together we shared not only flowers but also intentions.
There was no competition, no noise. Just a shared respect for nature, for craftsmanship, and for the spaces they were invited to transform. The balance between international ideas and local roots made the whole experience feel authentic and grounded.
Iwona Kwiatek: Tales From the Heart
In the heart of the castle—the ballroom—the team brought the ideas of Iwona Kwiatek and Weronika Kwiatek Binda, to life. They presented one of the most personal and touching installations of the festival. “Tales from the Heart” (Opowieści pisane sercem i kwiatami) stopped me in my tracks.
- Pocahontas – Pocahontas
- Mała syrenka – The Little Mermaid
- Mały Książę – The Little Prince
- W głowie się nie mieści – Inside Out
- Kraina lodu – Frozen
- Roszpunka – Rapunzel
Iwona doesn't design for effect; she designs from within. Each composition carried a weight, a softness, a memory. You could feel her intention in every detail. Many techniques were used, which made it all even more interesting.
This reel is made by Kristina Rimienė. You can learn more about her in this week's florist special.
Iwona’s pieces weren’t loud. They were quiet invitations to pause. To feel. And many visitors did just that—some stood in silence for long moments, moved by something they couldn’t quite put into words.
A New Energy: Weronika’s Contribution
Iwona’s daughter, Weronika, joined her in this creative journey. I saw something really special between them—not just the bond of family, but the meeting of two creative worlds. Iwona with her deeply rooted, emotional language. Weronika with her fresh eyes, her curiosity, and the courage to do things her own way.
A Floral Fashion Show
Each floral designer also created flowers as body designs, and a beautiful team of models came with awesome dresses to show them. A floral fashion show in the castle. Models walked slowly through the historic halls wearing natural materials shaped into garments and accessories. It wasn’t just a show—it was a moving expression of craftsmanship and story. Honest. Thoughtful. With respect for the castle, the flowers, and the people watching.
Otmuchów: A Whole Town in Celebration
Outside the castle, the entire town of Otmuchów joined the celebration. The streets were filled with music, markets, and people. We handed out flowers. Windows and balconies overflowed with local pride. You could feel the community spirit in every corner.
But inside the castle was a different rhythm. A slower one. A place where you could breathe, walk, and take in the work without a rush. Especially in the ballroom, with its soft light and centuries-old echoes, the atmosphere was almost sacred.
What Stays With Me
What I’ll take home from the 52nd Festival of Flowers isn’t just images—it’s feelings. This wasn't a place for showing off. It was a place for sharing. For listening to what flowers can say when you let them speak quietly.
Designers like Iwona and Weronika Kwiatek, along with the entire team of international and local artists, reminded me of something very simple and very powerful: when we create with honesty and respect, we create something that stays not just in photos or memories, but in the heart.
Regine Motmans
