International Advanced Floral Design Course (ADFD)

The International Advanced Floral Design Course (ADFD) at Boerma Instituut is an intensive four-week advanced floral design education program created for florists who want to elevate their technical abilities and develop their creative design vision at an international level.

This program is the logical continuation of the Professional Dutch or International Floral Design Course (DFD) and has been specifically developed for florists who want to distinguish themselves within contemporary international floral art.

Because the course is taught entirely in English, it attracts students from all over the world. This creates a unique international learning environment in Aalsmeer where different cultures, styles, and design perspectives come together.

Upon successful completion, participants receive the international Advanced Dutch Floral Design Diploma.

What Makes This Course Unique?

The ADFD focuses on developing a strong design vision and creative thinking.

Rather than simply recreating floral arrangements, you will learn to understand why a design works and how to develop your own concepts. Composition, space, colour, structure, movement, and material selection all play a central role throughout the course.

As a result, you will gradually develop your own signature style as a floral designer.

In addition, students are continuously challenged to work outside their comfort zones, allowing creativity and technical excellence to grow together.

What You Will Learn

During four intensive weeks, you will work on a broad and professional curriculum covering contemporary floral design.

Advanced Techniques and Constructions

You will learn how to:

• Foam-free floral design techniques
• Wire and frame constructions
• Working with tubes and alternative water sources
• Weaving, braiding, and binding techniques
• Free-standing sculptural designs
• Sustainable and experimental materials
• Innovative construction methods

Bridal Design at an advanced Level

The course also includes extensive bridal floristry training, including:

• Cascading bridal bouquets
• Frame bridal designs
• Contemporary bridal bouquets
• Handle-free bridal concepts
• Alternative carrying constructions

Sympathy and Memorial Floristry

Special attention is given to creating emotionally meaningful sympathy work:

• Urn decorations
• Teardrop arrangements
• Contemporary funeral wreaths
• Linear sympathy designs
• Conceptual memorial floristry

Event Design and Installations

You will also work on larger projects where concept development and execution come together:

• Wedding and event decorations
• Corporate floral concepts
• Car decorations
• Large-scale installations
• Group projects from concept to completion

Course Structure and Learning Approach

The ADFD combines practical assignments, theory, and project-based learning.

Every day you will work on new design challenges under the guidance of experienced international instructors. Continuous feedback on both technical execution and design development helps students progress quickly.

In addition, regular group projects encourage collaboration with florists from different countries and help broaden your international design perspective.

Meet Your Instructors

The ADFD is taught by an international team of highly qualified, award-winning floral designers, each bringing extensive industry experience, creative expertise, and a passion for floral education.

Alex Segura

Alex Segura is an internationally recognized floral designer, educator, and Florint-certified judge.

With more than 25 years of international experience, he has taught and demonstrated throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. He is widely respected for his technical precision, innovative mechanics, and contemporary approach to floral design.

Alex is renowned for his strong focus on construction, structure, and form. His work is characterised by innovative techniques, carefully engineered designs, and a contemporary approach to floral artistry. During his classes, he places great emphasis on technical precision, refinement, and understanding the design process behind each creation, helping students develop both their technical skills and conceptual thinking at an advanced level.

Duc Thuan IMF

Duc Thuan IMF is an International Master Florist and award-winning floral designer.

He achieved the highest results within the International Master Florist Education (IMF), demonstrating exceptional technical ability and creative excellence. He has since gained international recognition as one of the most promising floral designers of his generation.

In addition to his own design work, Duc is an experienced educator and demonstrator who is regularly invited to share his knowledge and creative vision with florists around the world. His strength lies in breaking down complex techniques into clear, practical steps, enabling students not only to master advanced methods but also to understand the creative and technical reasoning behind successful floral designs.

Known for his clear and practical teaching style, Duc helps students understand not only how to create a design, but also the thinking behind it.

Mike Boerma IMF

Mike Boerma IMF is the lead instructor at Boerma Instituut and an internationally recognised floral designer within contemporary floristry.

He is an experienced Dutch floral designer, winner of the prestigious Flower Cup, and achieved 2nd place at the Dutch Championship Floral Art. These accomplishments reflect his high level of technical skill, creativity, and design expertise within the professional floristry industry.

Mike’s work is characterised by a strong balance between technique, creativity, and concept development. He is known for creating designs that combine technical precision with innovative ideas, always striving to push the boundaries of contemporary floral design while maintaining strong design principles.

As an educator, Mike places great emphasis on helping students develop their own creative identity and personal design signature. Rather than simply teaching techniques, he encourages students to understand the principles behind successful designs and to translate those insights into their own work.

An International Learning Environment

Een belangrijk onderdeel van deze opleiding is de internationale samenstelling van de groep.

Students travel to Aalsmeer from Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and the Middle East to learn together.

This cultural diversity creates an inspiring environment where ideas, techniques, and perspectives are exchanged daily. As a result, students not only gain new skills but also build an international network that often remains valuable long after graduation.

What’s Included?

The course is fully catered, allowing you to focus entirely on learning and creating.

Included in the tuition fee:

• All flowers and foliage materials
• Containers and construction materials
• Use of professional tools
• Theory books and educational materials
• Daily lunch buffet, coffee, and tea
• Examination
• Official diploma

Practical Information

Duration: 4 weeks
Language: English
Location: Aalsmeer, The Netherlands
Class Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:45 PM

Dates 2026
5 October – 30 October 2026

Price:
€3.950,- all-in

Students who register for the DFD, ADFD, and IMF programs receive a 10% discount on the complete educational package.

Why Choose the Boerma Instituut?

For more than 40 years, Boerma Instituut has been recognized as one of the world’s leading floral design schools.

We stand out because we:

• Work with internationally recognized instructors
• Provide practical and intensive education
• Offer personal guidance in small groups
• Award internationally respected diplomas
• Focus on both creativity and technical excellence

In addition, you will study in Aalsmeer, located in the heart of the international flower industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?
This course is intended for florists who have completed the DFD program or an equivalent floral design education.

How can I register?
You can register through our website or contact us directly via info@boerma.nl.

Do I need to bring my own materials?
No. All essential flowers, materials, and supplies are provided. Any specific tools required will be communicated in advance.