Young horticulture students once again impressed at the international competition in creating outdoor floral decorations. Their creations can be viewed at Bled Castle until April 17.
The Institute for Culture Bled and the Biotechnical Centre Naklo (BC Naklo) have been successfully collaborating for five years on the spring decoration of the castle’s outdoor spaces. Four years ago, they further upgraded their partnership by organizing a professional competition for students of secondary biotechnical and horticultural schools, held under the auspices of the Consortium of Biotechnical Schools of Slovenia.
This year’s international competition of young gardeners and florists took place on Tuesday, March 31, when the participants dressed Bled Castle in vibrant Easter spring colors. Students from three Slovenian schools and one Croatian school participated, with a total of 20 young gardeners and florists competing. An expert jury evaluated the works based on originality, technical execution, and alignment with the theme, and awards were presented to the best at the closing ceremony in the Knights’ Hall.
Third place was awarded to Teja Gjergjek and Erin Lea Lipec (mentor Ana Sotošek) from the Secondary School of Horticulture and Visual Arts Celje. Second place went to Loti Bele and Nika Šterk (mentor Andreja Bartolj Bele) from the Grm Agricultural School and Biotechnical Gymnasium. First place was awarded to Živa Brenda and Mihael Stropnik (mentor Romanca Špes), also from the Secondary School of Horticulture and Visual Arts Celje.
Beautiful Easter plant arrangements were also presented by students of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo: Vita Vilfan and Anamarija Mejak, Aleš Naglič and Mark Čujovič (mentor Nataša Kunstelj), Maša Drobnič and Lana Flego Legat (mentor Katarina Rajer), and Eva Bilban and Anja Krumpestar (mentor Polona Teran). The competition was organized by Metka Celar and Sonja Jerič Štefe.
The cultural program featured performances by Tilen Osolnik, Tomaž Petrič, Jošt Per, and Gašper Komac, with hosts Katja Repar and Mark Bogataj under the mentorship of Monika Sušanj.
The Easter arrangements will remain on display at Bled Castle until April 17.