Happy children, trick-or-treat, scary food, cool costumes, parties. It’s Halloween! What about decorations? Flowers? We will tell you more about that in our article.

In this blog, we have told you about the flowers, which are perfect for All Saints’ Day. But before that, we are, of course, celebrating Halloween! What do we do then? Here are some suggestions. But first, let’s discuss suitable for Halloween colour pallets.

COLOURS AND HALLOWEEN

You can always opt for traditional Halloween colours. However, you can also go for more gentle theme – incorporating Soft Landing style trend of 2019. Or go for Harvesting Elements style trend, which has a darker and more natural colour pallet. Both of them will be great for indoors and outdoors. Or… combine them?

DECORATION TIPS

# DRIED FLOWERS

Dried flowers are incredibly trendy this year. This brings us back to the Harvesting Elements trend of 2019.

What’s for Halloween then? They will definitely be perfect for such celebration as well – there are endless possibilities. For instance, make it seem as if they were covered in spiderweb! Spooky, right? Opt for late autumn colours, such as brown, orange, beige, grey, black. However, as the event can also be very colourful – why not opt for bright colours as well? Possibilities are endless with dry flowers – countless colours, shapes and textures.

# PUMPKINS

So it became – pumpkins, and namely – Jack-o’ Lantern are a true symbol of Halloween. Therefore, pumpkins are a definite ‘must-have’! And the pumpkin does not necessarily have to be scary. There are so many things you can do with a pumpkin – craft a skull, make it scary, make it cute and gentle, make it fashionable. Of course, you can also paint it into any desirable colour and make it fit any decoration. But what if we add flowers?

You can opt for classic autumn colour pallet – bright colours, such as orange, yellow red. Add some gentle flowers of soft colours, such as lavender, light pink. Don’t forget about greenery!

You can also go for something extraordinary, magical, romantic even! Gentle pumpkin of gentle colour decorated with gentle flowers. In this case, this would perfectly fit within the Soft Landing style trend of 2019.

# COLOURED AND WAXED FLOWERS

Any colour and any texture! Choose the colours fitting your Halloween theme the most, add some decorative spider web and you’re good to go!

# BERRIES

Apart from being the ‘Flowers’ of the month November, which starts right after Halloween, Berries will fit just right into our theme. Bright colours, perfect for autumn and Halloween. In fact, you will not have to take them away from your shop once the celebration is over – they will make you happy for a long time. Plus, they can also fit in within the Christmas theme, so – double points!

PUMP UP YOUR HALLOWEEN DESIGN

SOURCE: https://www.ozexport.nl/buyer/buyer-news/halloween-2019/

EXCLUSIVE CHRYSANTHEMUM ASSORTMENT

Can’t wait for our exclusive Women’s Day assortment? Excited to be one of the first to check it out? Well, you are lucky, because now it’s about time! This flower is one of the most sold species for this festive day… the gorgeous Chrysanthemum, which is so incredibly popular during this season.

Of course, we all know that the Chrysanthemum comes in various colours and shapes – ranging from deep burgundy to gentle white, from spray to Santini and disbudded. This time, we will be focusing on volumous disbudded Chrysanthemums with a unique and exclusive appearance.

To make it easier for you to order the ‘must-have’s of the season, we are gladly presenting you our top 10 picks in light of the International Women’s Day. We are also focussing on trendy gentle colours, such as Pantone Colour of 2019 – Living Coral, as well as sweet pink tones, joyful yellows and, of course, the classic whites.

Chrysanthemum Ksenia. This widely used name in Russia originates from Greek word ‘xenia’, which means ‘welcoming’. Now, when you look at this beautiful flower, at her pink shades – don’t you feel like she is just calling for you, welcoming?

Grower: Vannova

Breeder: Dekker Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Momoko. This interesting specie looks just like a ball. A very nicely shaped ball. Don’t you think? Inserting a couple of these elegant pink flowers into a bouquet of classic white Chrysanthemums would add an extravagant colour pop, apart from the contrast in shape, of course.

Grower: Arcadia

Breeder: Dekker Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Ruski. Unlike Ksenia and Momoko, Ruski is pink, but it does not have this purple-ish colour tone. She reminds us more of a raspberry milkshake. It seems like this gentle and girly pink just speaks ‘innocent’ and ‘pure’.

Grower: Vannova

Breeder: Dekker Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Rosanno Charlotte. This flower kept the green tones in its petals – in contrast to the gentle light pink colour, they look as if they are neon and shine in the dark. Wouldn’t she look great if combined with Magnum in a bouquet?

Grower: Arcadia

Breeder: Deliflor Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Antonov Butterfly. This stunning flower has it all – she has the gentleness, which is so suitable for the womankind, she has the pastel colours mixture – yellow-ish with a mixture of purple-pink on the top. And wouldn’t she compose a gorgeous bouquet if combined with white flowers? Just use imagination and create your ‘perfect’ bouquet.

Supplier: De Koning 

Breeder: Dekker Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Aljonka Salmon. This extraordinary flower has a very unusual colour. It is like a mixture of coral, salmon and as if there was a drop of milk. Funny enough, Aljonka – which is a deviation of a traditional Russian name Aljona – is also a name of very popular in Russia milk chocolate. 

Grower: Vannova 

Breeder: Dekker Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Rosanno Elisabeth. Charlotte’s sister Elisabeth is a very new member to the Rosanno family. We traded in the pink for this modern brown-ochre colour. The green in the flowers makes it look extra interesting. She looks as elegant as the name Elisabeth sounds.

Grower: Arcadia

Breeder: Deliflor Chrysanten

*Beware that this is a brand new product, which is not yet available in big quantities. If you are interested, be one of the first to make the order or pre-order.

Chrysanthemum Antonov Sunshine. Same as her close relative above, this flower’s colour is very distinctive. In this case, the name speaks for itself – who would not want to have a sunshine at home? And, maybe, you already have a woman in your life, who is your sunshine. Then give this flower to her with a corny note, such as ‘A Sunshine for my Sunshine’. Thank us later.

Supplier: De Koning

Breeder: Dekker Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Magnum. Like the ice-cream? Or like the revolver? Maybe Moët & Chandon? No. Chrysanthemum. Classics never go out of style, right? There is not much to say – just get a bouquet of Magnum Chrysanthemum, a bottle of Magnum Champagne and a box of Magnum ice-cream. Just skip the revolver. Speechless.

Growers: Arcadia

Breeder: Deliflor Chrysanten

Chrysanthemum Etrusko White. Last but not the least, Etrusko is a very extravagant and unusual despite the classic white colour. The chaotic petals make it look so volumous and just stunning.

Growers: Arcadia

Breeder: Deliflor Chrysanten

CARE TIPS FOR PROFESSIONALS

• Make sure to use clean vases and clean tap water of room temperature and add flower food to keep your flowers fresh and healthy for longer time.
• Remove the leaves so that they are not in water – this will endure the vase life.
• Cut the stem diagonally with a clean and sharp knife or secateurs.
• Regularly check the water level and top up if necessary. Change the water every 5 days.
• Keep the flowers away from excessive sunlight, heater and fruit bowls.
• Add flower food to enhance the quality of your water, to create an even better bloom and extend your vase life even more!

SOURCE: https://www.ozexport.nl/buyer/buyer-news/

 greener and more sustainable world would be wonderful, right? One of our core values is respect – we do not only respect the people who work for us, but also the Mother Nature. We are excited to introduce this new ‘greenifying’ concept to you by Artemis Liliums.

SAY YES TO A GREENER WORLD

The world around us is changing: more green energy, stopping plastic waste, biological pest control, saving energy with new lighting solutions, water-saving installations and much more great environmentally friendly concepts.

Artemis is also testing new and ‘green’ concepts. Recently they have started testing with led lights in their greenhouse. This saves a lot of energy, but brings in new challenges. We will keep you updated about this new cool project. But, there is more… Artemis is the first Lilium producer to test replacing the plastic sleeves of selected products with good quality paper sleeves.

MEET THE GROWER: ARTEMIS

First of all, we would like to tell you a bit more about Artemis. Artemis has been an active player in the market for many years. Upon those years, their motto became ‘Enjoy life, enjoy lilies’ – now, isn’t this a happy and freeing statement?

Artemis has two locations in Almere, the Netherlands, where they grow their amazing Liliums. They produce several Liliums: Pink Mist, Paradero, Pinn Up, Energetic, Ice Clear and, don’t forget, Premium Blond.

The company takes very good care of lilies from the moment of placing the bulb into the ground until we receive the cut flowers. Apart from all the tender love and care they give to the flowers, Artemis has a fully automated quality guarantee system that helps them to give the flowers all the attention and care they require.

TREND: FROM PLASTIC TO PAPER

Making an effort to make the world greener, Artemis is now introducing a new paper sleeve. This sleeve is exclusive and only available on our website. At this moment, the sleeve will only be available for the stunning Premium Blond. The look and the feel of the sleeve gives this aesthetic feeling, just as if you bought your freshly-cut and wrapped flowers – on a hot sunny day, at a market in a faraway foreign village and are carrying them back home.

SOURCE: https://www.ozexport.nl/buyer/buyer-news/

Flower trends are constantly evolving. Every year there are new flowers trends, new flower types and new floral design styles. Below we have listed what will be trending in 2019.

FLOWER COUNCIL HOLLAND TREND PRESENTATION AT IPM 2019

This January, the largest annual horticulture trade fair took place in Germany: IPM Essen 2019. At the trade fair, there was also a florist section – FDF World – where the three Flower Council Holland trends of 2019 were presented. These trends are based on the current Zeitgeist: the time has come to abandon old patterns and develop new plans. That’s why we arrived at Cutting Strings.

FLORAL TREND #1: SOFT LANDING

A society that’s every day becoming harsher and grimmer, creates the needs for softening. The world needs to become more beautiful and friendly, while the consumer feels the desire to be pampered.

As a result, this trend has a soft, rounded, yet, above all, an extremely comfortable look. Even though the materials might not always be soft, the shapes do appear to promise softness. In combination with harmonious pastel shades, with this trend you can create voluminous bouquets.

Your top 5 flowers for the soft landing:

• Germini Giggles;
• Chrysanthemum Etrusko White or Purple;
• Lilium Roselily Anouska;
• Rosa Avalanche+ Pink;
• Gerbera Pomponi Kermit.

FLORAL TREND #2: NEW FRONTIERS

The approaching tsunami of technology will totally change the world. Our ‘analogue’ homes are rapidly becoming ‘smart’. This influx of technology is aimed at providing the user infinite convenience. This will create a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Accordingly, the shapes are geometric or futuristic. This results in a diverse colour palette: ranging from light to dark colours. It starts off with cool pastel colours and shifts to strong bright colours with metallic accents playing an important role.

Your top 5 flowers for the new frontiers trend:

• Anthurium Tequila;
• Lilium Original Love;
• Chrysanthemum Bombelllini;
• Vanda Kanchana Indigo;
• Zantedeschia Gold Medal.

FLORAL TREND #3: HARVESTING ELEMENTS

An overload of products and concern about the environment are leading to a sober lifestyle of pure simplicity, where sustainability is high importance. We will need to take the responsibility to ensure a liveable future.

To create a liveable future, simple shapes without fuss are of utmost importance for this trend (delete). That’s why, also(delete) the colours are clear – with white and blue playing a major role.

Your top 5 flowers for the harvesting elements trend:

• Cymbidium Australian;
• Ernygium Dynamite;
• Leucospermum Tango;
• Anthurium Tropical;
• Anemone Mistral Plus Blue.

SOURCE: https://www.ozexport.nl/buyer/buyer-news/

Following the magical Christmas period, not any less magical Valentine’s Day is slowly approaching us. This time of the year is filled with love. It is just hanging there, in the air.

Young boys trying to find the courage to ask their crush out. Girls watching all kinds of romantic movies, waiting for their prince to show up on a white horse. Adults booking the finest restaurants and searching for romantic gifts to surprise their partners. Some might even be planning to propose in front of the Eiffel Tour, in Paris, the city of love – who knows?

EVERYTHING IS LOVE, LOVE IS EVERYTHING

The never ending, nonetheless, pleasant, hassle of buying gifts for the loved ones. And a loved one does not necessarily have to be a partner, like many people think during this day. Valentine’s Day is for any kind of love. Either it is a lover, parents, siblings, family members, friends, a teacher, or even maybe that beautiful lady serving you a big cup of strong hot coffee and a croissant every morning when you are in such a rush to work.

Love is different and always unique. However, no matter how unique your love is, we have the right solution for you. It is not just a gift – it is an emotion. This beautiful gift is even older than the Valentine’s Day itself, but is still perceived as a symbol of love. She is the Queen of the Flowers. She is a Rose.

MEET THE ROSE

During the last weeks you have been presented our outstanding offer on the unique Blooming Notes – Roses with a message. This week gets us closer and closer to the Valentine’s Day. Hence, we are presenting you with beautiful Valentine Roses, which are provided by various growers from different countries. We have also prepared a specially designated Valentine Show, in which all of the flowers are displayed to the public eye. Ranging from gorgeous Red Naomi to unusual Red Eye, Red Eagle, Rhodos, Furiosa, Upperclass and many others!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ROSES?

• The length and thickness of the stem, the bud height and width and the number of petals must be in proportion.
• The leaves must be fresh and firm. The presence of thorns depends on the cultivar, from heavily thorned to virtually thornless.
• If flowers have been harvested when they are too unripe, too little energy has been stored in the petals for the flower to open. This varies according to the cultivar. Buying at the right stage of ripeness is therefore very important in order to offer the customer a Rose that fully opens when placed in water.
• Production conditions, the cool chain and transport from the country of origin play a major role in shaping the quality of Roses.
• When buying, it is important that the Rose is free of pests and diseases such as powdery mildew or botrytis, a fungus that will rapidly diminish the Rose’s quality.

Did you know that if you buy Roses in our webshop, we check the Roses on all off the above and more? This way we can make sure you’ll get the quality that you ordered.

CARE TIPS FOR PROFESSIONALS

• Use vases or containers that have been thoroughly cleaned, and use clean tap water. Add cut flower food to the water in the correct concentration. Special Rose food is best.
• Remove the leaves that could end up under water from the stern to prevent the growth of bacteria. If possible leave the thorns on the stems. Wounds on the stem will encourage the growth of bacteria, which will affect the vase life.
• Cut approximately 3 to 4 centimetres off the bottom of the stem with a clean and sharp knife or secateurs. Then place them in a vase or bucket immediately.
• Regularly check the water level and top up where necessary. Keep the Roses away from sources of heat such as heaters or the sun. Never get the Rose flowers wet with a plant spray; this will encourage the fungus botrytis.
• Roses can be stored in the cold store at 2 to 4°C. However, ensure that the Roses cannot get damp due to excessive humidity or from condensation on the cellophane. This will also encourage the fungus botrytis.

VALENTINE À LA CARTE: LOVELY INSPIRATION

In these times of diversity, it’s a nice idea to adopt a more open approach to Valentine’s Day.

• For those who love the classics there are always red Roses, possibly mixed with white.
• For a more modern approach mix red Roses with pale pink and bright pink Roses.
• Love between BFFs: pale pink Roses or mixed Roses in all colours.
• Committed LGBT+++ love: rainbow Roses!
• Millennial and centennial love: a field bouquet with grass heart Roses.

SOURCE: https://www.ozexport.nl/buyer/buyer-news/

Love, love, love… the upcoming periode is all about love and kindness. Besides Valentine’s Day we also prepare for International Women’s Day [8 March].

As the undisputed number 1 amongst the cut flowers, Roses provide colour, scent and beauty indoors in the month when nature is still only hesitantly getting started. This Valentine’s essential is a real stunner, available in many colours and shapes from a spray Rose to a solo star. With new varieties being added every year to enhance arrangements and bouquets.

ROSE THE FLOWER OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY!

The Rose [Rosa] is a member of the Rose family and includes 300 species in the wild. The number of bred cultivars is estimated at more than 30,000. Roses have been blooming on Earth for a very long time: fossilised remains of wild Roses have been found which flowered 40 million years ago. The plant was first used as an ‘ornamental Rose’ some 5000 years ago in China. Until the 18th century there were only white and pink Roses. Only later the red and yellow varieties were added.

The choice of over 600 varieties means that the range of Roses is large and rapidly developing, with new cultivars added every year. Alongside classic single stem Roses and spray Roses, there are Roses with ‘grass hearts’ where the base of the flower grows through the flower, and Roses that resemble peonies. To make themselves stand out, increasing numbers of Rose growers offer unusual colours and shapes alongside their classics.

PROFESSIONAL ROSE PRESENTATION TIPS FOR YOUR SHOP

A good display can significantly boost sales of Roses. Present them by colour with other flowers – pink is a trend colour in 2019 – and make use of the luxury packaging offered by some growers in order to protect the Roses while simultaneously emphasising their special status. A bit of space around the flowers literally gives the customer room to make their choice.

Customers like Roses in mixed bouquets (bestsellers to take away) and in mono bouquets and arrangements (for special occasions). Because Roses are well-known cut flowers, it can be useful to offer them in creative forms as well: floating in glass hangers on an Easter branch, cut short and divided across a collection of small vases, or as a luxury element in a field bouquet.

FEBRUARY’S COLOUR PALETTE

It is not surprising that the colour of love: Red is on trend this month. But the red for 2019 is more intense than last year. Combine this rich colour with other deep colours such as a deep blue and a natural green. Add some soft romantic pink to the mix to brighten up your bouquet. Opt for a creamy white colour to create contrast.

PANTONE 11-0106 Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn tempts with its soft and buttery attitude.

PANTONE 15-1619 Pressed Rose

The blushing Pressed Rose fills us with thoughts of romance and sentimentality.

PANTONE 19-1862 Jester Red

Adding depth and intensity, Jester Red combines rich elegance with urbanity.

PANTONE 18-0416 Terrarium Moss

Terrarium Moss conjures up thoughts of flourishing foliage and the physical beauty in the natural world.

PANTONE 19-3810 Eclipse

A deep blue redolent of the midnight sky, thoughtful Eclipse is both serious and mysterious.

FLOWER AGENDA 2019

The upcoming weeks the Rose is in the spotlight of the Flower Agenda. The inspirational images above are produced by the Flower Council. Keeping in mind the Horticulture Sector Trends for 2019. These trends are a translation of the latest consumer trends. We focus specifically on the horticultural sector.

SOURCE: https://www.ozexport.nl/buyer/buyer-news/