“A garden design is a dynamic process” – Caroline van Voorst Vader.

“My knowledge really comes from 10 years of experience in the flower world. Holding flowers in your hands every day, in every season, creates a very deep knowledge about flowers but also about the associated plants and their shapes and structures.”

What does Studio Hortus do exactly?

“We are a garden design studio for both inside and outside. Customers can hire us for a complete garden design with full guidance on planting and implementation by an experienced gardener. When it comes to the inside, we like to think along in design, with real plants and flowers or with indistinguishable products of silk.”

How do you go about it?

“We always start with a conversation. Afterwards, we present sketches and inspiring examples of the layout, planting and material options. Together with the client, we look at what feels best for the situation of the inhabitants. A final design with a plant plan follows and we guide the total implementation.”

“We always try to use multiple materials in combination with a natural flowery garden. Depending on the client’s wishes and the environment, we choose ‘green’ or ‘color’ as the basis and ’round’ or ‘straight’ shapes and paths. A garden is not only an extension of the house, but also a transition to the surrounding nature. I use those visual lines as a starting point for my design. A design encompasses everything: from pots and furniture on the terrace, to an ideal layout with various terraces and beautiful flower borders that give color to a garden all year round.”

How do you become a garden designer?

“After organizing events for businesses for many years, I wanted something different. I really wanted to work more with my hands and that’s when I started a creative flower business with Aimee van der Minne: De meisjes van de Bloemen.”

“”We found each other in creation and conceptual developments. For 10 years, we combined these passions and made the most amazing flower creations for large exclusive events, dinners, weddings, festivals and also dear funerals at often special locations.”

“Besides making flowers and creating creations, there has always been a clear passion for shape and color in nature. These two are, in my opinion, an extension of each other. With the growing interest in gardens during the corona outbreak, I started designing and planting gardens with beautiful results in 2019! That led to where Studio Hortus is now.”

Where do you get your knowledge from?

“My knowledge comes from 10 years of experience in the flower world. Holding flowers in your hands every day, in every season, creates a very deep knowledge about flowers but also about the associated plants and their shapes and structures.”

“But that learning process is still ongoing. I learn something new every day. I also always check everything with the regular gardeners and suppliers with whom I work with and have built a good relationship with over the years. By sharing our knowledge with each other, we come to a beautiful overall plan.”

“When implementing such a plan, my years of organizational experience also comes in handy. I am used to working with different parties on a project and bringing it to the best execution.”

And where does your inspiration come from?

Most of my inspiration comes from nature itself. In every form. From the flowers, the structure and shape of leaves, the sounds of swaying grasses, the stems, the color changes, the shadow… The smallest details can inspire me to stumble upon a new design or idea.

Why should customers choose Studio Hortus?

“Studio Hortus is all-round. We do everything from A to Z and manage the entire process. Garden design is a dynamic concept, that can turn out differently in execution than expected. We anticipate this accordingly while keeping residents involved and updated throughout the entire process. Moreover, we coordinate closely with interior designers and/or architects in case these are involved.

“Ultimately, we want to be an agency where any creative question can be asked with nature as the subject. From city garden designs and art projects, to green indoor spaces and larger gardens.