Each year the Flower Council of Holland develops future consumer trends in Europe which are then interpreted into seasonal trends for the floristry industry. In 2002, these trends are described as "fresh folklore", "re-create", "rhythm deluxe" and "nature’s jewels" for spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively. Design trends not only relate to flowers and floral compositions but also to accessories such as: dried and artificial materials, containers, candles and shop display. Four trends a year make it very expensive for florists especially in terms of shop transformation and many florists and foristry Associations today consider that 4 trends a year provide too short a ‘window’ in which to develop the market for each trend. The thinking of the European Florist Association (Feupf —Federation Europenne des Unions de Fleuristes) is that 2 distinct seasonal trends are probably enough, possibly by merging the spring and summer trends together and those of autumn with winter. This is largely endorsed by FDF (Fachverbandes Deutscher Floristen e.V. /German Florists’ Association). Floristry Associations are also seeking a more democratic approach to incorporate trend suggestions from national florist associations since the successful application of single design trends and their interpretations vary from North to South, from East to West and between up-market high street florists and smaller florists located in less affluent areas. Edward Bent, E-mail: hortcom@tin.it