A Day with Hanneke: Mastery, Creativity, and Community at Killeen Castle
On a bright and energising day in Ireland, the gates of Killeen Castle opened to welcome florists from across the country for a one-of-a-kind workshop with world floral champion, Hanneke Frankema.
Known for her bold, sculptural style and technical brilliance, Hanneke didn’t disappoint. With every stem, every structure, and every tip shared, she gave attendees a front-row seat to the world of professional floristry at its highest level. From the first demonstration to the final flourish, the room buzzed with creativity, curiosity, and camaraderie.
This was not just another day of flower arranging — it was a masterclass in floral architecture, colour balance, and the future of floristry itself.
Blooms That Elevated Every Design
The success of any workshop lies not only in the expertise of the teacher but also in the quality of the materials. We are deeply grateful to Van der Plas (VDP) for providing an incredible array of flowers and plants that truly brought this workshop to life.
From statement tropicals to delicate textures, VDP’s selection elevated each design to a new level of sophistication. Every florist left with their hands full of inspiration — and a new appreciation for the possibilities of premium product.
The Perfect Setting: Killeen Castle
Set against the majestic backdrop of Killeen Castle, the workshop unfolded in one of Ireland’s most picturesque venues. The historic surroundings and peaceful grounds offered the perfect space to learn, create, and connect. A heartfelt thank you to the Killeen Castle team for hosting us with such professionalism and warmth.
Captured Moments That Last Forever
Thanks to the brilliant Robert Quinlan of Skylark Fotos, we now have stunning images and drone footage that truly captured the spirit of the day. From the intricacies of the floral work to the sweeping views of the castle, Robert's work ensures these memories will be treasured — and shared — for years to come.
Why These Workshops Matter
At the Institute of Flowers, we believe in giving florists access to the highest levels of training and inspiration. Events like this one with Hanneke are a powerful reminder that floristry is not just a job — it’s an art, a craft, and a lifelong journey of learning.
As we continue to bring the world’s best to Ireland, we’re reminded again and again that when you put great flowers, great minds, and great people in a room together — magic happens.
