A Creative Exchange Beyond Borders
- Welcoming CFAIE Val de Reuil to the Berlin Flower School
Some of the most inspiring moments happen when people from different countries, cultures, and creative traditions come together. Recently, the Berlin Flower School had the pleasure of hosting a very special group: 28 talented floristry students from CFAIE Val de Reuil in France joined us in Berlin for an intensive hands-on workshop filled with learning, collaboration, and shared creativity.
The students are currently in the second year of their professional floristry education — an important stage where technical skills evolve into personal artistic expression. Known for its strong practical training and commitment to nurturing young talent, CFAIE Val de Reuil plays an important role in shaping the next generation of French florists. Welcoming them to Berlin created a meaningful opportunity for a true German–French exchange, built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and mutual inspiration.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy. Openness, enthusiasm, and a shared passion for flowers quickly connected everyone in the room. Together, we explored the art of shop window installation design, guiding the students through the entire creative process — from initial concept development to final execution.
Our workshop took place in the beautiful Schaltwarte at Pinguin Druck in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district. The industrial architecture of the space became the perfect stage for a living floral installation. Step by step, the students transformed the environment into a striking ombré floral display, combining colour, texture, and movement. Watching individual ideas merge into a powerful collective creation was truly inspiring.
Sustainability was an essential part of the learning experience — a topic that deeply resonates with the new generation of florists. Throughout the workshop, we worked with the new biodegradable OASIS® Floral Bricks by Oasis Floral Products Germany, exploring contemporary mechanics while keeping environmental responsibility in focus. Our sincere thanks go to Oasis for their generous support and for helping make this educational experience possible.
Alongside the large-scale installation, the students also explored the intersection of fashion and floristry by designing delicate floral fascinators for mannequins. This exercise encouraged them to think about proportion, movement, and storytelling through flowers. Each piece reflected a unique personality — sometimes poetic and soft, sometimes bold and experimental.
International encounters like this are invaluable within floristry education. Exchanging techniques, perspectives, and cultural influences not only strengthens professional skills but also builds confidence and creative independence.
A workshop of this scale would never have been possible without the dedication and support of many people behind the scenes. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all partners, supporters, and collaborators who helped turn this vision into reality — from organisation and logistics to materials and hospitality.
As a farewell gift, every participant received a goodie bag including professional floristry scissors and the book Seasonal Wedding Flowers — a small reminder to continue creating and exploring long after returning home.
Dear students of CFAIE Val de Reuil, thank you for your curiosity, creativity, and wonderful energy. It was truly a pleasure welcoming you to the Berlin Flower School.
We look forward to many more encounters, shared ideas, and blooming connections across borders.
— Berlin Flower School
Julia Gauld-Ritterspach
