Nicolaus Peters at Moreton Morrell
- Su Whale
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
A masterclass in ‘Less is More’
As the saying goes, Nicolaus Peters is a man who needs no introduction after winning the Interflora World Cup in 2023, where he wowed both spectators and judges with his flair, precision and workmanship. His UK debut demonstration, at Warwickshire’s Moreton Morrell College, was to a packed hall of students, tutors and florists, all keen to watch this German master florist in action.
Ikebana was Peters first introduction to floristry at the age of 15, and its influence shines through his designs. He spent twenty years studying to become an Ikebana Master while also honing his skills in competition work, in 2008 he won the German National Championships and has been busy ever since.
For this demonstration Peters had a specific theme.
‘Paper is my current obsession, I like to pick one material and then explore the medium, going deeper into what I can do with it.’
Design 1 ‘Lanterns’
Hanging lanterns made from strips of green paper contain glass test tubes and stems of Hydrangea and Gloriosa linked by delicate trails of sweet pea. ‘I want to work sustainably, without using floral foam, so my flowers are all placed directly into water.’
Design 2 ‘Trees’
Ripped and cut pieces of dark green tissue paper are bunched together to resemble miniature trees. Stems of Anthurium and Allium Schubertii shoot out of the canopy, echoing the shapes of the mossy stone and wire bases below.
Design 3 ‘Pure’
A lesson in how to turn a two dimensional object into a three dimensional one. Delicately stitched together, this paper pod holds a single Vanda orchid and carefully selected stems of fresh Lavender.
Design 4 ‘Hidden’
Inspired by scenery following a visit to the opera, this structure is made from twenty-four pieces of card with a ‘tunnel’ through the centre where more floral material can be spied.
Design 5 ‘Bowl’
Ordinary brown card is the starting point for this impressive design. Glass test tubes neatly attached in between the sheets hold not just tropical Anthurium but also stems of pine and grasses foraged from the extensive grounds of the college.
Design 6 ‘Airy’
A beautifully constructed hand tied has been built around a metal wire structure which holds each stem in exact position. The ends of the wires are topped with coloured paper discs which draw out the different hues from this magical, midsummer bouquet.
Design 7 ‘Neon’
There is minimal flower material in these constructions to allow the colourful pink and orange discs to shine through. Starting from a design in a sketch book, each one took about half a day to complete.
Design 8 ‘Architectural’
Kirigami is the Japanese art of paper cutting and folding – the result? a fantastic sculpture made from forty metres of architectural drawing paper. The concertina shape has been augmented with bold foliage and flowers. ‘I needed to make sure that the materials I used were strong enough in form to not be overpowered by the paper base.’
Thank you to Jane Benefield and her team at Moreton Morrell College Floristry Department, and all the sponsors of the event for a truly memorable evening.
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
