"Always searching for perfection"

Ben Clevers (born 1958) describes himself as ‘picky’ and always strives for perfection - including in his relationship with his clients. Some budget and the instruction to “make something nice” are certainly not sufficient as far as he is concerned. "It is best if the client participates in the process." The arranger has come a long way to get to where he is now. After lower general secondary education and Lower and Intermediate Horticultural College he also attended the Floral Design Vocational College and the Master Arranger course. He has also attended courses on subjects including merchandising, interior design, glass blowing and pottery. His work experience is at least as varied, with a career which has included time at a garden centre, a specialist florist and 5 years in education.

Green favourite

He specialises in demonstrations, workshops, product presentations and training/teaching. He has done this in more than 30 countries. He gets his inspiration from nature. From his house he can walk straight into the woods. That gives him the peace and quiet to acquire new ideas and he also sees the perfection that exists in nature time and again. "That is my best teacher." He is particularly interested in exotic flowers and plants. And (leaf) green is his favourite colour. The fact that he drives a black car is purely because he wasn’t wiling to wait 12 (!) months for the green version.

Use your heart

He includes royal funerals (3x) and weddings (2x) amongst the exceptional assignments he has been given. But the exceptional can also be found in a customer who is not aloof, but thinks and above all feel along with him. "Flowers are emotion. So in addition to your hands, you especially need to use your heart as well." During demonstrations for florists he always tries to pass on that passion. "Do not huddle behind your counter, but radiate your love for the job in all directions."

Tai Chi