Currently a new trend seems to emerge in the floriculture sector; the usage of plants with brighter and bolder colours.

Also pastels are still being used but now they are combined with bright colours resulting in a burst of beautiful colours & energy. For example, contrasting colors will be used: combinations of yellow-purple, orange–purple, red-orange-pink, etc. The accessories or supplementary materials of the arrangements are still natural material such as wood, stone, sands, fine rattan, woven water hyacinth stems, and so on using a variety of techniques.

This bright mix of colours and techniques has a more natural apperance, it provides an appropriate balance but at the same time makes the arrangements more dynamic.

Countries with four seasons usually have trends according to seasons such as:

• Spring “SWEET HARMONY” using soft colors , the flowers used are small and smooth, blended with complementary items such as ribbons for femininity, soft twigs, vases painted with small flowers. Overal sweet and feminine elements are strongly present.
• Summer “HOLIDAY HOME” using bright colors like yellow, orange with gradation, pink, green, and sea-shell as accessory combined with a base of white sands or white rattan.
• Autumn “NOBLE HOUSE” using darker colors like maroon, brown, and green. Dark brown twigs are also added to the arrangements. In addition, according to the latest trends vegetables and fruits can be added to as accessories.
• Winter “NOSTALGIA CHIC” dominated by white color as they reflect white snow in the winter, blue, brown, green, and silver. Usually the winter trend is identical to the Christmas trend using shiny and luxurious ornaments. Besides these, cotton or similar material (thin dried leaves = skeleton leaf) are often used to present the impression of winter.

Large trees and garden/potted plants are also still an important part in decorations. These create a feeling of real nature with plants that are still alive.

(Written by: Ineke Turangan-Newline Floral Education Centre)