here are moments in a florist’s life that remain forever in memory – filled with emotion, creative tension, and the joy of creation. For me, such a moment was the First Silesian Flowers Festival at the baroque Żyrowa Palace, held from 15–17 August 2025.
The very location gave this event a unique status. The baroque palace, with its rich history and beautiful gardens, created a setting in which floristry could truly find its full voice. This place in itself tells stories of opulence, emotion, and art – the perfect backdrop for a competition inspired by the baroque.
Film provided by the Żyrowa Palace
The Competition – Baroque in Four Acts
The rivalry took the form of four tasks, each a chapter of a baroque tale. Each day of the festival brought new emotions and new challenges. These were not ordinary competitions – they were tests of craftsmanship, creativity, and the ability to find one’s own style in dialogue with the history of the place.
- "Baroque Splendor: Floral Symphony” – a monumental spatial form. Creating an installation in the palace gardens, I felt like a stage designer in a theater – every line, contrast, and texture had to harmonize with the surrounding architecture. This task was a true test of imagination and of working on a large scale. My piece was an attempt to show baroque magnificence in a modern interpretation – I wanted the flowers not only to decorate the space, but to “breathe life” into it, creating the impression that the palace itself was alive with colors and scents. Architecture, space, and nature met at a single point. The task demanded huge amounts of logistics, technique, and physical strength – but also gave me the chance to fully spread my creative wings.
- “Imperial Elegance: Floral Majesty” – a representative bouquet. Here etiquette, refinement, and royal character had to meet. This challenge was partly a surprise, as we only discovered on the competition day which flowers would be provided. It required quick reactions, creativity, and the ability to adapt the concept to the available materials. Here, I could combine my passion for classical forms with a touch of modern perspective. Intuition and experience mattered most – every decision had to be made instantly, and every detail was visible.
- Surprise task – composition in a baroque vessel. This was a unique challenge. The simple yet characterful white ceramic container required entering into a dialogue with it – to highlight its features without overpowering it. My interpretation was based on harmony: I wanted the vessel to speak in its own voice, with the flowers as a complement, not the dominant element.
- Surprise task – body decorations for Countess von Gaschin. A highly performative and creative challenge. Designing a floral decoration for a stylized historical character meant floristry met fashion and theater. Inspired by the history of a baroque lady, I sought to express her elegance and strength through floral form. This was a true creative trial – one had to think not only about aesthetics but also ergonomics and the comfort of the wearer. The task demonstrated how floristry can go beyond classical frameworks and become part of performance art. For me, it was a moment of creative freedom and courage.
Each task carried a different weight – sometimes requiring precision, other times daring and emotional expression.
The International Jury – Great Authorities
Our works were evaluated by masters of floristry:
- Ivan Bergh (Italy) – chair, whose view of floristry as a form of visual communication is deeply inspiring
- Klaus Wagener (Germany) – a visionary, whose every word on composition opens new perspectives
- Monika Bębenek (Poland) – an artist of nature, blending floristry with art and emotion
- Rafał Kawałko (Poland) – a master of space and floral installations, teacher and editor
It was a great honor to stand before such a jury and hear their comments.
Shows and Seminars – Lasting Inspirations
The festival was not only a competition, but also a meeting with masters and their art:
- Monika Harlos’ show “Viva la Flor” in the palace courtyard was like a floral spectacle – classic elegance met modernity, and each arrangement was a story full of emotions. The audience reacted enthusiastically, and I myself felt I was part of something truly unique
- Klaus Wagener’s seminar “New Ikebana” was for me a lesson in seeing floristry as philosophy. Minimalism and expression, asymmetry and harmony – all came together into a coherent narrative that redefined my understanding of composition
- The Hanakubari workshops led by Yasuko Oki were incredibly subtle and profound. Thanks to this technique, I realized that floristry is also mindfulness, silence, and meditation
Joy and Pride – 2nd Place
The announcement of results was one of the most emotional moments of my career. Together with Jennifer Mühlbauer, I won 2nd place. The jury highlighted “refined aesthetics, technical precision, and subtle references to the palace’s history” in our works.
First place went to Lenne M. Cristansen & Jenni Rasmusen from Denmark, and third place to Nadejda Rimbu & Irina Fuior from Moldova. I was truly happy to stand alongside such talented florists and share this extraordinary moment.
Gratitude and Reflections
For me, this festival was far more than a competition. It was a journey – through history, art, emotions, and human connections.
I would like to wholeheartedly thank:
- the organizers Floraplus and the owners of Żyrowa Palace – for creating a space in which we could spread our wings
- the palace staff – for their kindness, support, and atmosphere that made us feel at home
- photographer Marek Zarankiewicz – for capturing the magic of these days through his lens. His photos are not just documentation – they tell stories, evoke emotions, and allow us to return to those moments
- my two wonderful assistants Eva Volavá and Katarina Volavá from the Czech Republic – for their support, dedication, and big hearts. Without your work, patience, and energy, this success would not have been possible. You are not only colleagues but also friends who gave me wings in the toughest moments of the competition
- and finally, all the competition participants – thank you for the inspiration, the wonderful conversations, and the shared emotions. You are the ones who create the atmosphere of such events, and thanks to you, floristry is not only an art but also a community of passionate people
Special thanks go to Mrs. Anna Stawiarska, the manager of the Palace in Żyrowa – for the warm and heartfelt welcome of the participants, the tremendous help, the care for every detail, and the kindness that made us feel truly special.
The First Silesian Flowers Festival taught me that floristry is not just a profession, but a journey – full of passion, encounters, and self-discovery. It was an intense, beautiful, and unforgettable time. I already know that I will return to Żyrowa – with the same joy and even greater inspiration.
All photos taken by Marcin Janas
Author:
Anna Janas
