The 2011 Europa Cup took place in the Eastern Czech city of Havirov took place on 2nd and 3rd of September, with competitors arriving to start preparation on 31st August. Here’s the story of how the competition unfolded.
The first job for competitors was to prepare for the two days of competition. That included ensuring the flowers were in tip-top shape – with GB’s Neil Whittaker busy here getting his in order with his assistant, partner Anthony Williams.
Other competitors meanwhile concentrated on their props – some spent around £10,000 on props and accessories!
Here, Hungary’s Tamas Endre Mezoffy prepares the base for his first task, which was entitled ‘Symphony in Blooms’ in celebration of Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. This was the first of six designs the competitors had to conjure up.
Eventual runner-up, Niina Minkkinen, creates her ‘Symphony in Blooms’ design.
Neil works hard to create his ‘Table for Two’, the second task in the competition. This design had to contain elements that related to the city of Havirov.
The Czech competitor, Jaromir Kokes, is pictured here making his piece for the fourth task – ‘From coal to Blooms’, an arrangement intended to decorate the city centre using plants, which can survive outdoors. This piece was the first to be made on the second day of competition and took place in the city square.
The final two tasks took place live on stage in front of a packed audience. The winner, Natalia Zhizhko, pictured here, impressed throughout the competition.
After a tough competition, Russia’s Natalia zhizko picked up first place and ain impressive trophy.
Finland’s Niina Minkkinen took second place, with an impressive score.
Britain won a medal for the first time ever in the Europa Cup courtesy of Neil’s performance. Look out for photos of the designer’s work in the October issue of Florist & Wholesale Buyer.
Armenia’s Araik Galystan won the People’s Choice Award, organised by competition sponsor, Dutch Creations.
