From May 14–18, 2025, the town of Děčín once again blossomed with colors and fragrances during the 54th edition of the prestigious floral design competition “Děčínská Kotva” – the Czech National Floristry Championship. The event, traditionally held in the Baroque interiors of Děčín Castle at the gateway to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland, gathered 59 participants from the Czech Republic and Slovakia – professionals, students, and floral art enthusiasts.
Gala Evening – A Night of Art and Emotion
The highlight of the event was the official gala on May 15 at 7:00 PM. The evening began with an impressive floral show featuring wedding headpieces – one of the competition’s main categories – presented by models. Afterwards, the official results were announced, and the winners of Děčínská Kotva 2025 were awarded.
A special moment of the evening was the recognition of Mr. Jiří Horák for his long-standing contribution to Czech floristry. He was entered into the list of distinguished personalities of Děčínská Kotva – a tribute that was met with a standing ovation and great emotion.
Winners of Děčínská Kotva 2025
The 54th edition of the Děčínská Kotva floral design competition, held on May 14–15, 2025 at Děčín Castle, featured four main competition categories (bridal headpiece, surprise work, Advent at the Castle, and a wreath for the castle gardener). All entries revolved around the theme “History, Magic, and Symbolism”.
Pupil category (Primary schools):
- 1st – Anežka Švecová – Frýdek-Místek region
- 2nd – Lucie Opelíková – Kroměříž region
- 3rd – Daniela Bolečíková – Ústí nad Orlicí region
Junior category (vocational high schools):
- 1st – Vojtěch Tužina – Jarov Secondary Horticultural School
- 2nd – Štěpán Svoboda – Rajhrad Horticultural School
- 3rd – Jana Šebestová – Rajhrad Horticultural School
Senior category (professional florists):
- 1st – Tomáš Hakl – Orchidea Florist, Bratislava
- 2nd – Iva Bouzková – Děčín Garden Centre
- 3rd – Michala Salačová – Michala Salačová Company
Hobby category (floral design enthusiasts):
Jury vote:
- 1st – Terezie Šarounová
- 2nd – Anežka Zarzánová
- 1st & 3rd – Jitka Jirků
Social media vote:
- 1st & 3rd – Jitka Jirků
- Kristýna Kühn
- Aneta Hlaváčová
Unique Interpretations of the Competition Theme
This year’s main theme, “History, Magic, and Symbolism”, offered a wealth of symbolic, historical, and aesthetic interpretations. The entries impressed with their diversity and creativity – from Advent wreaths and wedding decorations to mourning arrangements. The surprise work was a wreath titled “Colors of Africa”. The jury praised several entries for their exceptional execution and interpretation, particularly those that combined traditional techniques with contemporary form.
The level of this year’s competition was exceptionally high, meeting European standards and often reaching international quality. The participants presented works of high artistic and technical value, impressing with fresh ideas and masterful execution. Many showed not only talent but also deep understanding of floristry’s symbolism and visual expression. In our editorial opinion, Děčínská Kotva 2025 is a benchmark for international floral events.
Jan Milt’s Seminar – The Art of Floristry Live
A highlight of the event was a live floristry seminar and demonstration by Jan Milt, held on May 15 at 2:00 PM in one of the castle’s halls. This young yet already acclaimed artist demonstrated his creative process live, combining technique, design, and the spirit of nature. The show attracted both budding florists and seasoned professionals.
A Few Words About Jan Milt
Jan Milt comes from a horticultural family operating in Plzeň since the 19th century. He began his floristry education at the Horticultural School in Mělník and later continued at the Faculty of Horticulture of Mendel University in Brno. He further honed his skills at the renowned Nature Design Academy in Zwettl, Austria, where he earned the title of master florist in 2021. He has worked both in the Czech Republic and abroad – in Germany and Switzerland – and has exhibited his work at major events such as IPM Essen.
Milt is known for combining floristry with other fields of art and science. In 2024, he created the main exhibition “Galaxie květin” (“Galaxy of Flowers”) at the Flora Olomouc fair, merging floral motifs with cosmic inspirations. Key elements of his design were ellipses, light and darkness, and contrasts between technology and nature.
He has received many prestigious awards, including:
- Slovak Champion 2018
- Czech Vice-Champion in 2013 and 2015
Competition Exhibition
From May 16–18, Děčín Castle opened its gates to the public to view all the competition entries. The exhibition attracted both local residents and tourists visiting the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland region. The talent, precision, and imagination of the creators were also captured in a photo gallery.
Floristry Jury 2025
This year’s competition was judged by an international panel of floristry experts: Marie Weigrichtová, Eliška Kalkušová, Věra Šibravová, Ferenc Kruzslicz, Jan Komzák, Miloš Jurica, Markéta Nagyová, Klára Vavříková, Jindřiška Hochwalderová, Karolína Žáčková, Jaromír Kokeš, Eva Vaňková, Růženka Bubeníčková, Jiří Martínek, Tamás Vígh, Lucie Kulmanová, Luboš Dobrovolný, and Viola Zeithamlová.
Entries were evaluated according to FLORINT international standards using a 100-point scale. Criteria included creativity, color harmony, composition, and technical execution. A technical committee ensured all rules were followed.
Děčín Castle and Gardens in Peacock Hues
The Baroque Děčín Castle, perched on a rock above the Elbe River, charms with both its architecture and gardens, where majestic peacocks roam – a true symbol of the site. Recently, the castle's underground chambers were revitalized and now serve as exhibition spaces. Here, floristry, history, and nature blend to create a unique atmosphere for all visitors.
Thanks to the Organizers
We would like to thank the Czech Association of Florists (SVAZ) and the entire Děčínská Kotva team for their invitation and hospitality during the final gala. Thanks to their dedication and passion, this competition remains one of the most important events in the European floristry calendar.
A Glimpse Ahead – Děčínská Kotva 2026
The organizers – the City of Děčín, Děčín Castle, the Secondary School of Horticulture and Agriculture A. E. Komers, and the Czech Florists’ Association – already invite you to the 55th edition of the event in May 2026. Next year promises even more floral magic, learning, and inspiring floral creations.
The photo gallery from Děčínská Kotva 2025 is available on our website, on the official event site, and on the organizers’ social media profiles.
See you next year in Děčín!
Author:
Marcin Janas