Floral creations transformed the Yacht Club of Monaco this weekend as Princess Caroline of Hanover presided over the prestigious 56th International Flower Competition. Melanie Antoinette de Massy and member of the National Council of Monaco Christophe Robino were also in attendance at the event, which showcased floral displays under the theme ‘Flowers in Motion’.
The competition, held under the high patronage of Prince Abert II on May 10th and 11th, attracted participants from across Europe, with notable entries from Monaco, France, Italy and Switzerland. The Garden Club of Monaco, under Princess Caroline’s leadership, organised the two-day event that concluded yesterday.
“One of the most moving moments of the Competition is when one discovers all these magnificent compositions installed in this beautiful setting,” said Cecilia Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Garden Club of Monaco. “The competitors interpreted the theme ‘Flowers in Motion’ with tremendous inspiration. We are happy to see that floral art is generating increasing interest, including among younger generations who are fortunate to grow up in Monaco.”
This year’s Grand Prix General – Princess Grace of Monaco Prize was awarded to Margita Monnin from SAFA Geneva, Switzerland, whose creation in the ‘Pastel Whirls’ category particularly impressed the special jury headed by Princess Caroline, composed of personalities from literary and artistic worlds.
The competition featured seven categories: ‘Multicoloured Fireworks’ (large dimension), ‘The Rose Ball’ (table decoration), ‘Pastel Whirls’ (on a pedestal), ‘Monochromatic Swirls’ (niche), ‘Wind in the Garden’(niche), ‘Round Dance of Flowers and Leaves’ (wall decoration), and a special youth category ‘Dance of Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables’ for participants aged 6 to 14.
The Official Jury, comprising judges, professors, international authors, and floral art specialists, awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze Insignia across all categories.
Several special prizes were awarded during the ceremony. The Prize for Originality in Interpretation, presented by Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, went to Cinzia Ceria from Genoa, Italy. The Elegance in Composition Prize was awarded to Geneviève Antona from the Garden Club of Monaco.
Other notable recognitions included the Charm Prize presented by Karyn Ardisson Salopek from Monaco City Hall to Lisa Schmitt, the Colour Harmony Prize presented by Stéphane Valeri, President Delegate of Société des Bains de Mer, to Margita Monnin, and the Humor Prize presented by Enrico Barla to Sky Janssens from the British School in Monaco.
EXPANDING HORIZONS FOR FLORAL ART
For the first time, the Garden Club organised ‘Monaco in Flowers,’ a shop window competition that decorated the streets of the Principality with the support of UCAM and Société des Bains de Mer. The first prize was presented by Cecilia Casiraghi to the Eleven Monte-Carlo boutique, with Le Petit Elfe and La Carterie Hallmark taking second and third places respectively.
“Under the Presidency of Princess Caroline of Hanover, the Garden Club of Monaco is also broadening its scope by opening up to themes dear to Prince Albert II and essential for our future: the preservation of the environment and biodiversity,” added Casiraghi.
The event featured a rich programme of activities on May 11th, including conferences from 11:00 to 13:00 at the Aquarama Riva Bar covering orange blossom water by Murielle Iris, Monaco’s Exotic Garden as a botanical garden by Diane Ortolani, and olive cultivation by Armando Spajani and Riccardo Carver.
Visitors also enjoyed a floral arrangement demonstration by Kévin Billard, formerly of the Prince’s Palace, from 15:00 to 16:30. Throughout the weekend, the public could admire the beautiful compositions with free entry to the exhibition and all activities organised by the Garden Club of Monaco.
The 57th International Flower Competition is scheduled to take place in 2026.
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