Erko Feigl: The lily is a paragon of sublime flowers

Lasting Love shows that the lily has experienced a renaissance, rejuvenated and revived, basking in a new appreciation.

As a third-generation floral designer, I often think back to my grandmother's time when the lily, in all its glory, was unfortunately labeled a "graveyard flower. This association cast a somewhat somber shadow over this majestic flower, making it "unsuitable" for gift giving, at least for a period of time. Usually, its stunning beauty was only really appreciated when making memorial arrangements, especially here in Germany.

But as is often the case, time brought a change. The lily has experienced a renaissance, rejuvenated and revived, basking in a new appreciation. Many have fallen in love with its intoxicating scent, its presence is undeniably grand and powerful, and its association with nature is innate.

And rightly so. The variety of lily varieties has enriched our craft in ways that are nothing short of spectacular. Some exude a natural, understated appeal in their growth and inflorescence. Others, on the other hand, are flamboyantly double-flowered, almost baroque in their aesthetic. With or without their distinctive fragrance, they are simply stunning.

Lily Lasting Love
A few weeks ago, I received the Lasting Love lily from Dutch grower Bredefleur. From the moment I saw these beautiful flowers, I was inspired to create two unique themes.

The first thing that came to mind was a table decoration for late summer, reminiscent of southern regions where life is enjoyed and as much time as possible is spent outdoors. Think celebrating with friends, cooking together, gathering in a warm, cozy atmosphere and then adding a touch of grandeur to the courtyard with these beautiful lilies. Voila! In addition to grasses, fennel, allium and wild carrots (Daucus Carota), I tried to simply let the lily shine, creating a grand spectacle visible from afar!

The sublime lily
The lily, once relegated to a somber role, has now claimed its rightful place among the most sublime flowers. Whether it stands alone or is a harmonious addition to a mixed bouquet, it exudes an unmistakable charm that enraptures you. The lily is a celebration of nature's grandeur, a powerful symbol of life's refined beauty and a testament to the evolving preferences and tastes of flower lovers.

Embrace the lily in all its glory, for it is a flower that is second to none when it comes to sheer splendor. Whether adding a touch of elegance to your home, adorning your store or office, or gracing a celebration, the lily stands tall, proud and majestic. So the next time you encounter this beautiful flower, remember to admire it not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its remarkable journey from "flower of the graveyard" to one of the sublime flowers par excellence.

Looking beyond aesthetics and symbolism, it is fascinating to see how the lily has undergone a transformation over the years. What was once seen as an inappropriate gift has now become a sought-after flower in every context. This incredible transition reflects the beauty of time and its ability to change our perspectives, turning something once overlooked into something undeniably desirable.

"The lily is not just another flower. It testifies to the transformative power of time and celebrates the infinite beauty of nature. "

For my second arrangement, I envisioned a more minimalist design, aiming to bring out the purity of the flowers while still maintaining the atmosphere of a "garden party." It was intended for urban apartments with a terrace or balcony. I wanted to create the sensation of "flickering flames" with the allium in the center, a nod to warm summer nights under the stars. I also wanted to incorporate the lily buds that bloom later, to create a beautiful "bowl" shape. These "bowls" have become very trendy among the younger crowd - it can set the tone for a "round evening." This chic and stylish table decoration is sure to impress - eat well!

Beauty and versatility
I am a big fan of the lily, not only because of its striking beauty, but also because of its versatility. It is a flower that lends itself well to a variety of arrangements, whether simple or extravagant, traditional or modern. Its bold presence has the ability to brighten any floral ensemble and attract attention with its allure and grandeur.

When I designed the two arrangements with the Lasting Love lily, I wanted above all to pay homage to the inherent beauty of the lily. I wanted to emphasize its opulence without overshadowing the other elements. It was crucial to me that the lily remain the star of the show, regardless of the setting or company.

The first design, inspired by late summer celebrations outdoors in southern regions, aims to show the lily's ability to blend with and complement other natural elements. This is the beauty of the lily, its ability to bring the charm of nature to your doorstep and create an inviting and warm atmosphere.

The second design was more subdued, a nod to the minimalist trend among urbanites. It celebrated the lily in its purest and rawest form, stripped of all pomp and circumstance. With the allium in the center symbolizing "flickering flames" and the soon-to-be-blooming lily buds in the shape of a "bowl," the arrangement captured a snapshot of the lily's life cycle - a promise of spectacular blooms to come.

What I love about working with lilies is the fun and challenge they bring to the design process. They force you to think outside the box, to come up with arrangements that reflect their personality - big, bold and enigmatic. And when you do, you get creations that are not only beautiful, but brimming with character.

As floral designers, we are in a privileged position to reintroduce flowers like the lily to a new generation, to give them the opportunity to appreciate their enchanting beauty and the versatility they offer in floral design. This journey essentially demonstrates the ability of flowers to break barriers and misconceptions, to adapt and remain relevant amidst changing trends and preferences.

The next time you see a lily, take a moment to appreciate its journey, its transformation from a "graveyard flower" to one of the most sublime flowers. And who knows, like me years ago, you may fall under its charm. After all, the lily is not just another flower. It is a testament to the transformative power of time and a celebration of nature's infinite beauty.

Erko Feigl has been firmly entrenched in the green business for over thirty years. His career began as a gardener and florist. And his journey took him through virtually all areas that our profession entails. He is a successful coach and consultant who empowers you to thrive in business!