Presenting

30 November | 2022 Feature F loral designers are members of a community of curious and passionate people, constantly exploring the magic of what inspires them. is curiosity propelled me to travel to Katowice, Poland, in August, for the Europa Cup 2022. Like most fl oral events, there were stage presentations by top designers sharing industry secrets and tips and pronouncing the latest trends. It was thrilling to discover that sustainability is a worldwide mission and, for fl oral artists, using dried botanicals in fl oral designs is one way to help achieve sustainability goals. Fresh fl ower arrangements, the temporary nature of which provides only fl eeting enjoyment, will forever be in vogue; however, when sustainability is essential, fl oral designers must pivot and be resourceful without ever compromising aesthetics. is is why dried botanicals have now become the newest celebrity elements in fl oristry today. Dijk Natural Collections, a dried- botanicals supplier in the Netherlands and a sponsor of the Europa Cup 2022, highlighted dried botanical trends in Europe, focusing on sustainability, bold ways to incorporate dried botanicals with fresh fl owers, and tips on growing Dried Botanical Trends AC RO SS T H E P O N D By Yoli LaGuerre, AIFD, CFD, EMC revenues by renting botanical structures for events and corporate accounts. In Europe, fl oral designers are experimenting with color and texture. A hot new product is dyed cotton bolls, particularly in pastel colors, and designers are incorporating them with fresh botanicals, achieving dynamic visual impact. Using dried cotton bolls is popular in Flemish-style designs, and I predict it will be big in wedding personals, giving couples the opportunity to save elements of their bouquets and boutonnières as keepsakes without having to preserve. If you educate your clients about the interesting options and advantages of incorporating dried botanicals into their designs, they are more likely to consider them. Having sample designs on display is a benefi cial sales tool. Another major trend is supplementing fresh tropical blooms with dried pods; bamboo and river cane culms (Bambusa and Arundinaria, respectively); coconut palm tree "paddles" (Cocos nucifera); and mosses. is is especially popular in corporate work. Designers can create grand structures utilizing water tubes for the fresh tropical fl owers, which can be changed out as blooms fade. Designing with these elements can provide longer- lasting arrangements for your clients. Photography by Yoli LaGuerre, AIFD, CFD, EMC

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