Floral Future: texture, trends & talent
Insights from Dupré, Lersch & Boerma
During the Dutch VBW’s ‘Floral Future’, Frédéric Dupré, Gregor Lersch and Mike Boerma showcased the ongoing evolution of floral design. We were on the edge of our seats. From dynamic live demonstrations to a preview of floral trends for 2026, Marginpar flowers took centre stage. Here, we share the highlights, insights, prize-winners — and how 200 students got hands-on with Marginpar themselves the next day.
Tension and dynamics
Frédéric Dupré and Mike Boerma created several impressive pieces. The on-stage chemistry was palpable: after seven years of working together, it’s no surprise they complement each other so well. Both made use of a wide selection of Marginpar flowers.
While working on a design featuring Clematis Amazing Tokyo, Frédéric explains: “Three of my pieces here are made up of 80% Marginpar flowers. They’re amazing flowers — so many varieties, of incredible quality.” Beautiful words that warm our heart; and those designs he creates with them are so stunning!
Sustainability and reusing materials are key for Frédéric. He also values control over structure. He even makes his own chicken wire from pieces of metal wire, which he then shapes with clay: he likes to incorporate minerals and natural elements into his work. “Standard chicken wire is too uniform,” he says. “It’s the irregularity that keeps things exciting.”
Is a little mistake here and there a problem? “No,” says Frédéric — he even recommends it. Although the golden ratio is important in any design, “a small mistake in the linework actually makes it more exciting.”
He adds: “It’s important to create details in your work. It shouldn’t only be interesting from a distance, but from very close up as well.”
Trends for 2026
Mike surprised us with a bouquet made entirely of Marginpar flowers: featuring grasses, Astilbe, Sanguisorba, Scabiosa, Astrantia and Talinum — his personal favourite. According to Mike, we’ll see more and more wild, natural-looking bouquets in the future.
He also showed the audience his ‘clay baby’, made using a recipe from Dupré. The clay design includes small tubes for inserting flowers. The piece forms part of Marginpar’s floral trends for 2026 — indeed, created by Mike — and will soon be visible on our website and socials.
Texture
Together, the two worked on several large-scale designs. They emphasised the importance of texture in both varieties and base materials. Think waxy flowers, soft wool-like textures, rough elements such as branches, and glossy surfaces. Other key aspects include repetition and the use of empty space. The latter brings elegance to a design, according to Frédéric.
The importance of education
We also saw Gregor Lersch and his IMF students from the Boerma Institute. A group of talents from all over the world — from India to Japan and the United States — presented their creations. Lersch expanded on the main learning points: techniques and key compositional aspects such as colour, dosage, proportion and rhythm. He stresses the importance of continuing to learn. And with such an encyclopaedia of knowledge as your teacher — who wouldn’t?
Announcement of Dutch Championship participants
On 9 and 10 March 2026, the Dutch National Championship will take place. The winners (junior and senior) will represent the Netherlands at the next World Cup in Spain. The seven juniors and seven seniors took the stage to loud applause. Exciting months ahead — we wish them all the best of luck!
FlowerCup: the winner
But that wasn’t all. At the end of the evening, the winner of the FlowerCup was announced. From the large number of entries, the jury assessed submissions on idea, colour, composition and technique.
Mike Boerma claimed first prize with his 14-kilo asymmetrical design. Congratulations, Mike!
Sustainable growing in Africa
The next day it was our turn to take the stage. More than 200 students from floristry and horticultural programmes took part in our quiz on sustainable growing in Africa. We’re delighted to contribute to the education of this and the next generation of florists.
Before the quiz, students were invited to work with Marginpar flowers. Later, current Dutch Champion Franka Roenhorst shared insights from her experience at last summer’s World Cup. A vibrant and inspiring day.
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Chaos, Clematis & The Flower Cup
In ‘Behind the Blooms’, Mike takes you behind the scenes of the demonstration and the FloralCup, and you’ll see Gregor and his students in action.
