Dutch Flower Experience 2 & 3 Days
The flowers of the Netherlands are quite special. Being a florist here is an entirely unique experience.
That's because the Netherlands is a major flower production hub and the center of the global flower trade. Flowers are so abundant here that they are incredibly affordable. And the mild, temperate climate provides the perfect conditions for an abundance of blooms. Gardening is a beloved pastime, with flowers spilling out from homes all over.
In fact, the Netherlands' reputation as a flower haven can be traced back to the country's history of cultivating flowers on reclaimed, flat lands. This rich horticultural legacy inspired the Dutch Masters, whose still life paintings immortalized tulips, roses, and lilies - the very flowers that have long defined this floral wonderland.
Drawing from my own experiences as a florist immersed in this flower-centric culture, I've curated 2-day and 3-day programs that showcase the most joyful and precious aspects of the Dutch flower story.
I hope you'll join me in exploring this blooming oasis.
Vase of Flowers by Jan Davidsz de Heem
To be honest, I didn't have much interest in the unique qualities of Dutch flowers beyond basic textbook knowledge. I lived here for 7 years as a corporate marcom lead, with no real passion for floristry.
That changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Confined at home for 2 years, I found myself tending to my garden more and more. What started as simply arranging the flowers that bloomed soon blossomed into a full-fledged floral arranging hobby. I ended up converting my garden shed into a flower studio and launching my own custom floral design business in 2021.
This hands-on experience with local plants sparked a new appreciation. I now try to source as much as I can from the gardens and flower farms surrounding me, only relying on purchased blooms in the off-season. Perhaps because I didn't follow a traditional florist's path, my approach differs from industry norms. But working so closely with the flowers and soil in nature has been a uniquely rewarding experience.
I consider myself fortunate to have discovered this passion. Even now, my first stop is always the local and natural bounty before supplementing with other sources. It's a joy to bring the beauty of the Dutch countryside into my creations.
Early trial at garden floral arrangement
Flower arrangement inspired by Dutch still life
One of my first tulip arrangements in Dec. of 2020
Beyond that, living in the Netherlands has allowed me to have some truly unique experiences as part of my daily life. Each spring, I attend the Keukenhof tulip festival. And in late summer, I make weekly trips to the dahlia farms, filling buckets with freshly cut blooms. Sometimes, I'll even dart off for a couple hours to visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, immersing myself in the compositions and colors of the Dutch masters.
The floral arrangements and structures depicted in 17th century Dutch still life paintings continue to captivate and inspire countless florists, myself included. There's an enduring, almost mystical quality to them.
Sharing these experiences with florist friends from other places, they've all expressed how special this kind of lifestyle must be. And you know, after 5 years of living this way, I'm starting to see what they mean. The joy I feel tending my garden, sourcing from the local cutting gardens, and translating those elements into my floral designs - it really is extraordinary.
Inspired by these encouragements, I've put together something uniquely Dutch to share with you.
From April 2025, I'll be hosting a series of 2-day & 3-day Dutch Flower Experience programs, in time with the peak of Keukenhof event.
Whether you just want to be with your friends and family.
Or you are looking forward to meeting new people in an intimate setting.
The program will be run in small groups, with a maximum of 4 participants. You can choose between a 2-day or 3-day package.
Our standard schedule is a full 8-hour day, from 9am to 5:30pm. We'll start with a visit to the famous Keukenhof Tulip Festival in April and will showcase the most impressive and quintessentially Dutch floral experiences throughout the seasons.
During two hands-on floral workshops, we'll create hand-tied bouquets and centerpieces using flowers that we've sourced directly from local farms and gardens. It will be a joy to work with these fresh, locally-grown blooms.
We've also allocated time for a professional photoshoot session, where you can capture beautiful memories of your flower-filled experience - whether it's family photos, couple's portraits, or just stunning shots of the flowers themselves.
For meals, I will prepare homemade Korean-style lunches in my own home. Snacks and beverages will also be provided.
If you're staying in the Haarlem/Heemstede area, you can easily reach my studio by bicycle or on foot. For those based in Amsterdam, I'll provide a pickup service from the train station Haarlem, which is just a 20-minute ride from Amsterdam.
You can find the full program details below. The open group sessions will automatically close once 4 spots are filled (see the calendar for dates). If you'd prefer a private group booking, you can reserve an entire time slot for your party.
2-Day Program (9am to 5:30pm daily)
Day 1
Morning - Keukenhof Tulip Festival (Apr-mid May), In other seasons, Aalsmeer Flower Auction, or Van Gogh Museum (choose one)
Lunch - Homemade Korean Meal & Dessert - We prepare everything ourselves, no store bought kimchi or frozen dumplings. The menu will be shared a month in advance with allergies survey.
Afternoon: Creation of floral centerpieces
Day 2
Morning - Flower Cutting Garden. Gather cut flowers to use for the afternoon activity.
Lunch - Homemade Korean Meal & Dessert
Afternoon: Completion of hand-tied bouquet. Professional photoshoot session.
The schedule is subject to change based on local conditions.
Snacks, tea, and coffee will be available in the studio while you work on your floral creations.
2-Day and 3-Day programs are available to choose from
3-Day Program (9am to 5:30pm daily)
Day 1
Morning - Visit the Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Lunch - European cuisine at a restaurant
Afternoon: Keukenhof Tulip Festival (Apr-mid May), or the Van Gogh Museum/Rijksmuseum in other seasons
Day 2
Morning - Cutting from the garden. Hand-tied bouquet demonstration.
Lunch - Homemade Korean Meal & Dessert. We prepare everything ourselves, no store bought kimchi or frozen dumplings. The menu will be shared a month in advance with allergies survey.
Afternoon: Completion of hand-tied bouquet. Professional photoshoot.
Day 3
Morning - Flower Cutting Garden. Gather cut flowers for the afternoon activity.
Lunch - Homemade Korean Meal & Dessert.
Afternoon: Floral centerpiece demonstration and hands-on creation.
Transportation will be provided, with pickup and drop-off at the Haarlem train station.
The schedule is subject to change based on local conditions.
About Our Homemade Korean Meals
Since moving to the Netherlands in 2013, my foodie family has tried various Chinese and Japanese restaurants. However, we've been disappointed in our search for truly satisfying Korean cuisine.
In a way, this has been a blessing in disguise. It has encouraged us to refine our own homemade recipes -and now we make more than 4 different types of Kimchi’s. And we've become skilled at making other Korean staples as well, like dumplings, kimbap, pork cutlets, and an assortment of Korean pancakes.
By diligently preparing our children's favorite Korean dishes every day, we've become quite adept at hosting meals for guests as well. The vegetables and meats sourced locally in the Netherlands work surprisingly well in replicating the flavors.
We prefer cooking methods that accentuate the inherent flavors of Korean cuisine. Considering how challenging it can be to find authentic Korean food in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and even parts of France, we're excited to share our lovingly prepared homemade lunches with you.
I'll provide more details on the specific menu and address any dietary requirements about a month before your scheduled program.
Schedule in April & May
2-Day & 3-Day Prices
2 Day Program : 685 EUR per person (max 4 per group)
3 Day Program : 875 EUR per person (max 4 per group)
What’s included
Driving around by car from Haarlem pickup onwards until drop off at the end of each day.
Tickets. Flowers. Floral tools, Notebook. Photography. Korean Homecooked Lunch. Tea & COffee, Snack.
Take home what you have created.
Not included
Cost of coming to the Netherlands and Haarlem station. Accommodation. Breakfast. Dinner
If the minimum no. of participants aren’t filled, the event can be cancelled.
Private group can also be arranged. You will have the group to yourself or to your people.
We privide ride to and from your accommodation (within 1 hour from our studio). We can also customized itinerary.
Price for private group : For 1-2 people it is 2,260 EUR for 2-Day and 3,085 for 3-Day program. From 3rd person, add 665 EUR per person.
Terms and Conditions
Payment terms
50% deposit at the time of reservation
The rest of the 50% 30 days prior to the start of the experience
Cancellation policy
If cancellation is requested more than 90 days before the experience, you will get the already paid amount minus 50 EUR for fees and other admin costs.
If cancellation is requested between 61-89 days prior to the experience, 50% of what you paid will be refunded.
Within 60 days until the experience start date, no refund can be made.
Pls email to info.flowerandflour@gmail.com in case you need to request a cancellation.
Liability
If weather-related cancellation occurs, you will get full refund or an opportunity to book a new date
Flower and Flour is not liable for any injury, accident, damage or theft during the experience
As a participant you agree to follow safety instruction during the experience.
Booking this experience means you accept our terms and conditions.