By Antonia Tibbits; AIFD
The sun is the central force for our solar system, which drives earth’s climate, seasons and provides heat for life.
In September, I had the honor to be invited and to participate as a Designer for in the 26th edition of Festival of Hoogstraten Vegetables and Flowers. The event was held on September 20th to 22nd, 2025 in Hoogstraten, Belgium. There were 33 designs in total created by 17 international designers from Belgium, Mexico, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, France, United States and Slovakia. From the US, I was joined by my friend Patricia Won, AIFD (Texas) and Keith Stanley, IMF (Washington DC). The creative team was led by one of the world’s leading Floral Designers, Master Florist, Tom De Houwer. We were assisted and supported by a team of amazing volunteers which totaled 170 strong.
The concept of the designs, sketches and technical information were created and submitted in early Spring. The final designs, structural information, measurement, materials and botanical needs were submitted in late July. Organic materials used in my design were sponsored by local growers and suppliers.
The construction of the designs began on Tuesday morning and were completed by Thursday evening, when the main street of the town was closed to accommodate the moving and installment of our designs. The street then reopened on Friday for thousands of spectators to enjoy.
My first design was created with the concept of what the majesty of nature can produce. Beautiful wood pieces were cut from a found fallen tree which were incorporated into a structure that was supported by organic materials including black beans, white King Protea, white Mink Protea, Vanda Orchids, Chocolate Sunflowers, white Hypericum berries, Black Calla Lillies, and Camilia blossoms.
The inspiration for my second design, titled The Sun and the Earth, was created using two eight-foot by five-foot wooden panels, covered with Black Ti-leaves in diagonal patterns. This dark background represents the universe, upon which were suspended two 30 inch spherical designs, one representing the earth, the other the sun.
The sun, in the higher position, was created using two foam balls at its core, covered with brightly colored paper, yarn and ribbons. Botanicals included Gloriosa, Pin Cushions, Rose Hips, Calla Lillies, Roses, Chinese Lanterns, and small Red Peppers. Long skewers were painted orange and red to represent the sun’s rays. The earth is transparent, created with 3 metal rings, and covered with green floral tape using flax seed grass to create a sphere. Seven continents were created with moss and attached to the outside of the sphere. Vanda orchids represented the depths of the ocean. Inside the sphere, floating orchids represented the clouds and sky. Using white Vanda Orchids and Ranunculus represented the Artic Poles.
In November, the photo contest winners were announced, and I was pleased that my second piece was highlighted in the third-place photo, with the Isint-Katharinakerk chapel in the background. The photo was taken by Frie Taeymans.
It was a true honor to participate in this event, and have my designs featured in the photo contest. I look forward to presenting again in 2026 and beyond, and Hoogstraten 2025 will always have a special place in my heart.
