This year, the IPM Exhibition in the German city of Essen celebrated its 30^th anniversary with a bigger, bolder, spectacular show.

For florists, display ideas galore were available – with queues forming as visitors took photos of the many installations.

One of the most eye-catching of all the displays was this one on the Chrysal stand – the mosaic was made out nothing but the new Trend Selection coloured sachets.

Over the last 30 years, IPM has become a truly global affair – Colombia was just one of the nations exhibiting.

Deliflor launched a new Chrysanthemum at the show called Zembla Brasil – the distinctive green edging really helps it stand out.

IPM is probably the best exhibition when it comes to demonstrating added value designs.

The design shows featured some big names such as Manfred Hoffmann, Gregor Lersch and the UK’s very own Lana Bates.

Breaking away from trends of previous years, where pastel colours and muted natural tones dominated, this year the show had a new vibrancy, with lots of bright colours everywhere.

Dutch plant specialist Waterdrinker created a brilliant stand with lots of settings like this.

Another trend was the use of Flower Power, with lots of 1960s dressed displays and promotional girls.

Downstairs in the Green City, product demonstrations – like this one from Florissima – provided plenty of inspiration.

German publishing house Blooms once again used IPM as the final showcase for their ‘New Faces’ campaign to find the best young German florist.

Oasis Floral Products created some beautiful wedding designs on their stand.

Putting aside the problems caused by last year’s Tsunami, Japanese breeders displayed some beautiful new plants, including these Cyclamen with huge flowers.