Since 1966 the Florist Championships have been an important event for all members of the Finnish Florist Association. Open to all members, and florists who work for member shops, the event provides florists which the opportunity to showcase their creative skills.

Held as part of a large two day gardening exhibition on August 22nd. the event was organized by Satakunnan Gardening Organization who were also marking their 90th anniversary.

The competition saw competitors divided into two categories – Juniors, of which there were 4 entrants and Seniors, of which there were 6 entrants. Juniors were classed as entrants who had not been placed in the top three previously in this competition.

Both categories competed to gain the most points from the judges and whether they were classed as a Junior or a Senior, the competitor with the most points won the top prize.

The competition was split into three different sections with competitors designing a floral piece for each segment. One design was to be planned in advance and the other two designs were to be completed without any previous preparation:

• Design 1 – a wedding decoration and display which were to be planned in advance.

• Design 2 – a design for a garden.

• Design 3 – a bouquet.

This year’s winner was Miia Hakala, a first time winner for the competition, whose prize included a certificate of honor, a gold medal, a 500€ gift certificate, a painting from the Finnish Florist Association, a trophy from Maiju and Yrjö gardening foundation, a trophy from Dan Ward and a trophy from Lepola Garden.

The second prize consisted of a certificate of honor, a silver medal, a gift certificate worth 200€ and a painting from the Finnish Florist Association. Whilst the third place winner received a certificate of honor, a bronze medal, a gift certificate worth 100€ and a painting from Finnish Florist Organisation.