Monday with MODA and Moniek

Bailey surprised Armas and I with a treat over the weekend, he said "We're off to see the Wizard!" Bailey had emailed Moniek Vanden Berghe, a Belgian designer whom we hold in high esteem explaining that MODA botanica was in town to check out Hortifair, and had inquired if it would be okay for us to check out her shop. She regretted to inform us that she no longer kept a shop (now a gallery) but would love to have us join her at a workshop she was teaching in Antwerp. Not only were we her personal invited guests, but she invited us to have lunch with her afterward!


We are generally not big fans of the dried, but this may have the tides turning. We made a few things as members of the class...

After soaking up her delightful teaching, techniques and tips we were off to lunch and to cruise the market. Where we found all the things we love, as well as all the things we can not have thanks to our big brother: USDA.

But the fun was not over there! She took us on an insiders tour to the design firm where she makes and designs custom containers, vases and floral incidentals. Heaven! We had such a great day. Moniek was an absolute delight, so warm and down to earth. She is an artist that truly loves what she does - an it radiates from her. Thank You Moniek! After spending the day together she made a few calls for us, arranged a private tour at the grower who produces our #1 flower: The VANDA.

We bid her 'tot ziens' by the little farm with chickens that Bailey could not resist.