'Hoi' From Hans

Hoi is Dutch for hello

Let me give you a quick insight to who I am and what I have done...

I was born in Holland & moved to north Gloucestershire at the age of 8. On completing my studies, my love of flowers drew me back to Holland to study floral design. After four years of study, I achieved the elite status of Dutch ‘Master Florist’ – the highest qualification in Floral Design in Europe.

My wonder-lust then took me to Japan (Kyoto & Tokyo) for 5 years – teaching European Floral Design. From there I continued teaching and demonstrating in Taiwan & Hong Kong and gradually wound my way back to England.

Back in the UK, I broadened my horizons working as Head of Floral Design at Myerscough College in Lancashire, as School Principal at Paula Pryke Flowers in London and running my own flower boutique ‘Bloom2’ in Kingsclere, Berkshire.

In 2002, I was awarded first prize as well ‘Most Innovative Exhibit’ and the ‘Creativity Award’ at the World Flower Show in Glasgow.

In 2007, I competed for the first time at the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show and was delighted at winning not just the Gold medal, but also ‘Best in Show’.

In 2015 I was invited to be the Artistic Director for the Winchester Cathedral Flower Festival ‘Cascades’. This was a mammoth task that resulted in 58 awe-inspiring large-scale exhibits throughout this glorious cathedral, which I created with the help of over 300 fabulous ladies from The Wessex & Jersey Area of NAFAS. (see Fusion Flowers article below). The same year, I also won ‘Best in Show’ at the National Flower Arranging Show, resulting in my representing the UK in competing at the World Flower Show in 2017 in Barbados.

In 2009, I started teaching contemporary Floral Design Workshops in a local village hall. Over the years, they gained a following to the point where I created a purpose-built Flower School at my home in Twyning, where I now teach a wide variety of classes. Teaching is my enduring passion; sharing the joy of working with flowers and inspiring people to discover and develop their creativity is pure satisfaction!

If you would like further information regarding classes at the Flower School, please contact Hans via the contact page or call him on 07818 040 312.