07/07/2026
BEHIND THE SCENES IN SINGAPORE: Team Netherlands gears up for the Surprise Task
What does it take to compete at the highest level of international floral design? It's not just talent — it's trust, chemistry, and having the right person by your side.
Austin Flowers sat down with the Dutch duo at the Floral Windows to the World Championship at the Singapore Garden Festival 2026, and what we discovered is fascinating.
Meet Geertje Stienstra — Dutch Master Florist, Meesterbinder, and Floral Fundamentals ambassador. She's one of 17 elite floral designers competing in Singapore, creating breathtaking umbrella-and-dome wire structures adorned with yellow Oncidium orchids, red gloriosa lilies, and dramatic green anthurium leaves.
And right beside her every step of the way is Tiffany van Lenten — known as "The Colorista," Dutch Championship runner-up 2024, and the woman whose job, in her own words, is simple but critical:
"To keep her calm, that's very important. And also to clean flowers and help preparing."
That's the real story of floral competition. It's not just what you see on the judges' table — it's the hours of preparation, the nerves calmed, the flowers cleaned one by one, and the quiet confidence between two people who trust each other under extreme pressure.
With Tasks 1, 2, and 3 behind them, Team Netherlands now faces Task 4: the dreaded Surprise Task. Can they break into the Top 10 and secure their place in the championship finals?
What do you think makes a great floral competition team? Is it skill, chemistry, or something more? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 👇
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Singapore Garden Festival | Gardens by the Bay | 4–12 July 2026